Brain Natriuretic Peptide Exerts Inflammation and Peripheral Itch in a Mouse Model of Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a globally prevalent disease that affects both children and adults, and the incidence of AD is increasing worldwide (Bylund et al, 2020). AD is characterized by dry, inflamed, and itchy skin, but the etiology behind neuroinflammation and itch related to AD skin is only beginning to be understood. The brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), a byproduct of the NPPB gene, is expressed in primary afferent neurons, which are known to be responsible for central itch (Meng et al, 2018; Mishra and Hoon, 2013; Mishra et al, 2020; Pitake et al, 2018; Usoskin et al, 2015).