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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
08:35
A Simple and Inexpensive Method for Determining Cold Sensitivity and Adaptation in Mice
Published on: March 17, 2015
TRP channels and pain.
Daniel N Cortright1, Arpad Szallasi
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science Foundry LLC, 838 Birchwood Drive, Orange, CT 06477, USA.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
|May 16, 2009
Summary
Targeting thermosensitive transient receptor potential (thermoTRP) channels, like TRPV1, offers a novel pain relief strategy by blocking pain generation at its source. This approach contrasts with traditional analgesics and is advancing rapidly in drug development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Sensory neurons possess ion channels crucial for pain signaling, presenting potential pharmacological targets.
- Thermosensitive transient receptor potential (thermoTRP) channels detect noxious stimuli, with six identified thermoTRPs (TRPV1-4 for heat, TRPA1 and TRPM8 for cold).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence supporting TRP channels as targets for novel analgesic drugs.
- To evaluate potential adverse effects that may hinder TRP channel antagonist drug development.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical research identifying ion channels in sensory neurons.
- Analysis of studies on thermoTRP channel function and activation thresholds.
- Evaluation of genetic deletion and pharmacological inhibition data for TRPV1.
- Assessment of clinical trial progress for TRPV1 antagonists.
Main Results:
- TRP channels, particularly thermoTRPs, are key detectors of noxious stimuli.
- TRPV1, the archetypal thermoTRP, is upregulated in painful inflammatory conditions and validated as a pain target.
- Drug development targeting TRP channels has progressed from cloning to clinical trials within a decade.
Conclusions:
- TRP channel inhibition represents a new strategy for pain relief by targeting pain generation.
- TRPV1 and other thermoTRP channels are promising targets for novel analgesics.
- Potential adverse effects must be considered to ensure successful drug development.
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