Effect of a Precision Cryotherapy Device With Temperature- Adjustability on Mice With Lysophosphatidic Acid-Induced Pruritus

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is known to cause a significant adverse impact on the quality of life of patients. Reducing chronic itch that has a complex mechanism is one of the most important challenges in AD treatment. Objective: To evaluate the effect of a temperature-adjustable cryotherapy device on mice with lysophosphatidic acid-induced pruritus. Methods: : A temperature and time-adjustable cryotherapy device was used for the treatment of lysophosphatidic acid-induced pruritus of mice in the following conditions: −5℃, 0℃, or 5℃ for 5 sec, 10 sec, or 20 sec. Expression of itch-related biomarkers before and after modulation of temperature was investigated with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Results: : Expression of itch-related biomarkers was decreased after modulation of temperature. For gene expression, all were decreased at 5℃ for 10 sec and 20 sec, and at 0℃ for 5 sec, 10 sec, and 20 sec. For protein expression, all were decreased at 5℃ for 10 sec and 20 sec, and at 0℃ for 5 sec and 10 sec. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the pruritus-relieving effect of the temperature-adjustable device on mice. This may provide some evidence for future studies on patients with mild AD.