TRPV1

TRPV1 (Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1, also capsaicin receptor and vanilloid receptor 1) is a member of the TRPV group of the transient receptor potential family of ion channels (1, 3). Expression has been mainly reported in sensory neurons of the peripheral and central nervous system (2, 3). The receptor is activated by a wide variety of exogenous and endogenous physical and chemical stimuli like temperature greater than 42°C; acidic conditions (pH<6); vanilloids, like capsaicin, and allyl isothiocyanate (3). In addition to direct activation, TRPV1 channel activity can also be modulated by inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins and bradykinin (4). TRPV1 is involved in the detection and regulation of body temperature, as well as in the sensation of noxious environmental stimuli, like scalding heat and pain. TRPV1 acts as ionotropic endocannabinoid receptor with central neuromodulatory effects and is a prime target for the development of analgesics (5).1 ) Clapham DE, Pharmacological reviews (2005) 574: 427-50. 2 ) Premkumar LS, Current neuropharmacology (2008) 62: 151-63. 3 ) Immke DC, Seminars in cell & developmental biology (2006) 175: 582-91. 4 ) Caterina MJ, Nature (1997) 3896653: 816-24. 5 ) Menigoz A, The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience (2011) 3137: 13025-7.