Cholestasis, a condition characterized by an abnormal decrease in bile flow, is accompanied by various symptoms such as pruritus. Although cholestatic pruritus is a prominent condition, its precise mechanisms have largely been elusive. Recently, advancements have been made for understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of cholestatic pruritus. The current review therefore focuses on summarizing the overall progress made in the elucidation of its molecular mechanisms. We have reviewed the available animal models on cholestasis to compare the differences between them, characterized potential pruritogens involved in cholestatic pruritus, and have summarized the receptor and ion channels implicated in the condition. Finally, we have discussed the available treatment options for alleviation of cholestatic pruritus. As our understanding of the mechanisms of cholestatic pruritus deepens, novel strategies to cure this condition are awaited.

胆汁淤积是一种以胆汁流量异常减少为特征的疾病，并伴有各种症状，例如瘙痒。尽管胆汁淤积性瘙痒是一个突出的疾病，但其确切的机制在很大程度上尚不清楚。最近，在了解胆汁淤积性瘙痒的病因和发病机理方面取得了进展。因此，本篇综述着重于总结阐明其分子机制所取得的总体进展。我们审查了胆汁淤积的可用动物模型，以比较它们之间的差异，表征胆汁淤积性瘙痒症中潜在的促甜素原，并总结了与该疾病有关的受体和离子通道。最后，我们讨论了减轻胆汁淤积性瘙痒症的可用治疗方案。