Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026

A Simple and Inexpensive Method for Determining Cold Sensitivity and Adaptation in Mice
Published on: March 17, 2015
Primary afferent activation of thermosensitive TRPV1 triggers asynchronous glutamate release at central neurons
James H Peters1, Stuart J McDougall, Jessica A Fawley
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
Abstract:
TRPV1 receptors feature prominently in nociception of spinal primary afferents but are also expressed in unmyelinated cranial visceral primary afferents linked to homeostatic regulation. Cranial visceral afferents enter the brain at the solitary tract nucleus (NTS) to control the heart, lungs, and other vital organs. Here we identify a role for central TRPV1 in the activity-dependent facilitation of glutamatergic transmission from solitary tract (ST) afferents. Fast, synchronous ST-NTS transmission from capsaicin-sensitive (TRPV1+) and -insensitive (TRPV1-) afferents was similar. However, afferent activation triggered long-lasting asynchronous glutamate release only from TRPV1+ synapses. Asynchronous release was proportional to synchronous EPSC amplitude, activity, and calcium entry. TRPV1 antagonists and low temperature blocked asynchronous release, but not evoked EPSCs. At physiological afferent frequencies, asynchronous release strongly potentiated the duration of postsynaptic spiking. This activity-dependent TPRV1-mediated facilitation is a form of synaptic plasticity that brings a unique central integrative feature to the CNS and autonomic regulation.
Related Concept Videos
Thermosensation
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Nociception
Excitatory and Inhibitory Effects of Neurotransmitters
Long-term Potentiation
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...
