Dihydroavenanthramide D inhibits mast cell degranulation and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects through the activation of neurokinin-1 receptor

Lotts T., Agelopoulos K., Phan N., Loser K., Schmaus G., Luger T., Ständer S.

Abstract

Chronic pruritus is difficult to treat. Current treatment options are frequently ineffective and new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. Avenanthramides are active substances in oats that exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. Their potential to interrupt pruritus mechanisms was investigated in this study. It was found that the synthetic analog dihydroavenanthramide D (DHAvD) can interact with the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) and inhibit mast cell degranulation. DHAvD also affects inflammatory processes and reduces secretion of the cytokine interleukin-6. Our findings indicate that DHAvD may act as a NK1R inhibitor and could be a promising candidate for topical treatments of chronic pruritus.