β2-Microglobulin, interleukin-31, and arachidonic acid metabolites (leukotriene B

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a progressive disease with severe pruritus and dry skin as the major symptoms. However, the mechanisms of CRF-induced pruritus remain unclear. In this study, 5/6 nephrectomized (NPCT) mice were used as a mouse model of CRF. Serum concentrations of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine in 5/6 NPCT mice were increased. The stratum corneum water content in the skin of 5/6 NPCT mice was decreased. These findings suggest that 5/6 nephrectomy in mice results in a phenotype resembling human CRF. 5/6 NPCT mice showed spontaneous scratching, which was inhibited by μ-opioid receptor antagonist, suggesting that the scratching is an itch-related response. The number of cutaneous mast cells was not altered in 5/6 NPCT mice compared with sham-operated mice. The H