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Related Concept Videos

Thermosensation01:43

Thermosensation

Peripheral thermosensation is the perception of external temperature. A change in temperature (on the surface of the skin and other tissues) is detected by a family of temperature-sensitive ion channels called Transient Receptor Potential, or TRP, receptors. These receptors are located on free nerve endings. Those detecting cold temperatures are closer to the surface of the skin than the nerve endings detecting warmth. These thermoTRP channels, while temperature selective, have relatively...
Regulation of the Digestive System01:25

Regulation of the Digestive System

Digestive activity regulation hinges on three primary components. Activation is prompted by a multitude of mechanical and chemical indicators, primarily detected by receptors within the stomach and intestines' walls. These receptors predominantly respond to factors such as mechanical stretching of the organ walls, changes in pH and osmolarity, and the presence of digesting materials and their by-products.
The effectors in this regulation system are glands and smooth muscles. Activation of these...
Neural Regulation01:37

Neural Regulation

Digestion begins with a cephalic phase that prepares the digestive system to receive food. When our brain processes visual or olfactory information about food, it triggers impulses in the cranial nerves innervating the salivary glands and stomach to prepare for food.
Hormonal Regulation01:40

Hormonal Regulation

Hormones regulate a significant portion of digestion through activation of the neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system of digestion contains many different hormones all with multiple functions that are both, directly and indirectly, involved in digestion.
Protein Absorption01:12

Protein Absorption

Proteins in the gastrointestinal tract typically come from food, but they can also originate from disintegrated cells or secreted enzymes. In the stomach, the enzyme pepsin breaks down these proteins into polypeptides. The fragments then move into the duodenum as a semi-fluid mass called chyme. Pancreatic proteases, such as trypsin and chymotrypsin, and intestinal brush border enzymes like carboxypeptidases further dismantle the polypeptides into tripeptides, dipeptides, and free amino acids.
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels01:12

Mechanically-gated Ion Channels

Mechanically-gated ion channels are proteins found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell membranes that open in response to mechanical stress. Tension, compression, swelling, and shear stress can alter the conformation of the protein, opening a transmembrane channel that allows the passage of ions for signal transmission. In eukaryotes, mechanically-gated channels are distributed in several regions like the neurons, lungs, skin, bladder, and heart, where they play critical roles in numerous...

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Related Experiment Video

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Yeast Luminometric and Xenopus Oocyte Electrophysiological Examinations of the Molecular Mechanosensitivity of TRPV4
12:09

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Published on: December 31, 2013

TRP channels in the digestive system.

Peter Holzer1

  • 1Research Unit of Translational Neurogastroenterology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Universitátsplatz 4, A-8010 Graz, Austria. peter.holzer@medunigraz.at

Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
|October 12, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Mammalian transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are vital for digestive functions like sensation and absorption. Some TRP channels, like TRPV1, TRPV4, and TRPA1, show therapeutic potential for chronic abdominal pain.

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Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Mammalian transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are expressed in the alimentary canal.
  • These channels play critical roles in taste, sensation, thermoregulation, pain, and gut homeostasis.
  • While some TRP channels are well-studied, others' roles in digestion remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the known functions of TRP channels in the digestive system.
  • To highlight the importance of TRP channels in sensing stimuli within the alimentary canal.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting TRP channels for gastrointestinal disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on mammalian TRP channels in the alimentary canal.
  • Analysis of the known roles of specific TRP channels (e.g., TRPA1, TRPM5, TRPV1, TRPV4, TRPV6, TRPM6, TRPM7, TRPC4) in digestive processes.
  • Examination of the pathological implications and therapeutic targeting of TRP channels.

Main Results:

  • TRP channels are involved in chemo- and mechanosensation, thermoregulation, pain, mucosal function, motility, and vascular function in the gut.
  • TRPA1, TRPM5, TRPV1, and TRPV4 are key for polymodal sensory functions in the alimentary canal.
  • TRPV5/6 and TRPM6/7 are crucial for Ca2+ and Mg2+ absorption, respectively. TRPC4 mediates smooth muscle contraction, and TRPM7 influences interstitial cells of Cajal pacemaker activity.

Conclusions:

  • TRP channels are integral to diverse digestive functions, from nutrient absorption to sensory perception.
  • TRP channels like TRPV1, TRPV4, and TRPA1 are promising therapeutic targets for chronic abdominal pain.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the roles of all TRP channels in digestion and to establish the clinical utility of their blockers.