Abstract

Transient Receptor Potential channels are exquisite molecular transducers of multiple physical and chemical stimuli, hence the raising interest to study their relevance to Sensory Biology. Here we discuss a number of aspects of the biophysical and pharmacological properties of TRP channels, which we consider essential for a clear understanding of their sensory function in vivo. By examining concrete examples extracted from recent literature we illustrate that TRP channel research is a field in motion, and that many established dogmas on biophysical properties, drug specificity and physiological role are continuously reshaped, and sometimes even dismantled.

Keywords: TRPV1, TRPA1, TRPM8, sensory neuron, chemosensation, drug specificity, TRP Channels, Transient Receptor Potential channels, Sensory Biology, somatosensation, visceral nociception, neurogenic inflammation, complex endogenous modulation, TRPs in certain, CHEMOSENSORS, methyl salicylate, MO- or cinnamaldehyde- sensitive, menthol-sensitive neurons, TRPA1 modulators, TRPA1 activator MO, TRPV3 2, –, aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, cinnamaldehyde, jugular ganglion neurons, TRPA1 inhibitor HC-030031, nicotine, acetyl choline receptors, nAChRs, photometry, capsaicin, neuro-inflammatory response, alpha-hydroxy-sanshool, TRP-expressing neurons possess, clotrimazole, high voltage-activated Ca2+, GABA, lidocaine, propofol, isofluorane, desfluorane, 1,4-dihydropyridines, nifedipine, nimodipine, nicardipine, nitrendipine, Quinine, TRPA1 activator cinnamaldehyde, Patch-Clamp Experiments, NMDG+, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-biphosphate, bradykinin, nerve growth factor, PIP2-independent