Prostaglandin E2 induces vasodilation and pruritus, but no protein extravasation in atopic dermatitis and controls.

Background: Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) has well-established vasodilatory effects, whereas its effects on protein extravasation and its sensory effects are less clear.

Objective: Vasoactive effects of PGE(2) were correlated to its ability to evoke pain or itch in healthy volunteers and patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Methods: Intradermal microdialysis was used to apply PGE(2) (10(-8)-10(-4) M) via microdialysis capillaries in 8 patients and 8 controls.

Interleukin-6 in combination with its soluble IL-6 receptor sensitises rat skin nociceptors to heat, in vivo.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) contributes to increased pain and hyperalgesia in inflamed tissue. We have investigated the effects of IL-6, alone or in combination with its soluble receptor (sIL-6R), on the sensitivity of nociceptors to noxious heat, using dermal microdialysis. Plasmapheresis membranes were inserted into the abdominal skin of adult male Wistar rats (n=46) and perfused with modified Ringer solution.