Current perspectives on the modulation of thermo-TRP channels: new advances and therapeutic implications. Issue 5 (September 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vay, Laura; Gu, Chunjing; McNaughton, Peter A
• Is Part Of: Expert review of clinical pharmacology. Volume 3:Issue 5(2010)
• Page Start: 687
• Page End: 704
• Publication Date: 2010-09
• Subjects: artemin -- hyperalgesia -- neurotrophic factor -- nociceptor -- pain -- sensitization -- thermo-transient receptor potential ion channel -- TRPV1; Clinical pharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.105
• DOI: 10.1586/ecp.10.41
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-2433

Abstract

The thermo transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels, a recently discovered family of ion channels activated by temperature, are expressed in primary sensory nerve terminals, where they provide information regarding thermal changes in the environment. Six thermo-TRPs have been characterized to date: TRPV1–4, which respond to different levels of warmth and heat, and TRPM8 and TRPA1, which respond to cool temperatures. We review the current state of knowledge of thermo-TRPs, and of the modulation of their thermal thresholds by a range of inflammatory mediators. Blockers of these channels are likely to have therapeutic uses as novel analgesics but may also cause unacceptable side effects. Controlling the modulation of thermo-TRPs by inflammatory mediators may be a useful alternative strategy in developing novel analgesics.