Mon Feb 23 18:53:09 UTC 2026: ### Headline: IISc Researchers Map Neural Circuit Linking Stress and Itch
The Story:
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru have successfully mapped a neural circuit in the brain that connects stress and itch sensations. The study, published in Cell Reports on February 24, 2026, details how specific neurons activated during stress can directly regulate itch. The findings offer potential new avenues for treating chronic itch conditions, which affect millions worldwide, by targeting the brain’s mechanisms rather than just addressing the symptoms on the skin.
Key Points:
* IISc researchers identified a specific population of neurons in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) that become active during acute stress.
* Activating these stress neurons reduced scratching behaviour in both short-term chemically induced itch and a psoriasis-like chronic itch model in mice.
* Silencing these neurons eliminated the stress-induced reduction in scratching.
* The study differentiates between acute and chronic itch, highlighting the brain’s role in shaping itch perception.
* Current treatments for chronic itch primarily focus on the skin and immune system, whereas this research suggests targeting the brain for more effective therapies.
Key Takeaways:
* This research provides a crucial understanding of the neural mechanisms that link emotional states like stress to sensory perceptions like itch.
* The identification of a specific neural circuit opens potential avenues for developing therapies that address the central mechanisms underlying stress-related itch.
* The study underscores the importance of considering the brain’s role in chronic itch conditions, moving beyond purely peripheral treatments.
* The findings could lead to more effective treatments for millions suffering from chronic itch, which is often exacerbated by stress and anxiety.
First Piper 