Search for useful biomarkers for evaluation of antipruritic agents

We searched useful biomarkers for evaluation of antipruritic agents in serum and plasma, using mouse models for chronic pruritus. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) was found to be reduced in the plasma of mice with chronic pruritus, and this decrease was reversed by agents that inhibited itching behaviors. Thus, ACTH may be useful biomarkers for itching and itch-associated stress. Granzyme A and some serum protein, changes of which were revealed by proteomic analysis, are still analyzed as possible pruritus biomarkers.