Abstract
THE sensation of itching has long been a physiological enigma. Whereas the sensations of pain, touch, heat and cold have always arisen following simple physical stimuli, itching (pruritus) has consistently shown an indifferent response to these physical stimuli, and but a faint answer to chemical stimuli. No one has truly characterized the adequate stimulus for itching. As a result of this, itching has been denied its role as the fifth sensation. Indeed, it has been defined by some as diminutive pain, despite the clinical experience that itch may exceed severe pain in intensity.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Shelley, W. B., and Arthur, R. P., Science (in the press).
Rocha e Silva, M., and Andrade, S. O., J. Biol. Chem., 149, 9 (1943).
Beloff, A., Biochem. J., 40, 108 (1946).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
ARTHUR, R., SHELLEY, W. Experimental Evidence for an Enzymatic Basis for Itching in Man. Nature 175, 901–902 (1955). https://doi.org/10.1038/175901a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/175901a0
This article is cited by
-
Translational nociceptor research as guide to human pain perceptions and pathophysiology
Experimental Brain Research (2009)
-
Enzymatische Vorg�nge bei der Pathogenese allergischer Reaktionen
Klinische Wochenschrift (1965)
-
The stinging properties ofLaportea
Economic Botany (1963)
-
Investigative Studies of Skin Irritations from Caterpillars**From the Department of Dermatology of the College of Medicine of the University of Cincinnati and the Research Foundation, Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio. This investigation was supported by a research grant from the Division of Research Grants and Fellowships of the National Institutes of Health, United States Public Health Service, Grant RG-4581.
Journal of Investigative Dermatology (1960)
-
Stand der Fermentforschung auf dem Gebiete der Dermatologie
Archiv f�r Klinische und Experimentelle Dermatologie (1960)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.