Rubbing Skin Activates Itch-Relief Neural Pathway (IMAGE) Society for Neuroscience Caption Schematic diagram of mechanisms underlying itch relief by stroking skin. Rubbing or stroking of the skin activates vesicular glutamate transporter 3+-low threshold mechanoreceptors (VGLUT3+-LTMRs; red), followed by excitation of itch inhibitory interneurons (blue) in the superficial dorsal horn. The inhibitory interneurons use dynorphin as a neurotransmitter to inhibit pruritogen-responsive neurons (green). Credit Sakai et al., JNeurosci 2020 Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.