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Yeast Luminometric and Xenopus Oocyte Electrophysiological Examinations of the Molecular Mechanosensitivity of TRPV4
Published on: December 31, 2013
Oral epithelial cells are activated via TRP channels
1Department of Oral Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Dental Science, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
Journal of Dental Research
|December 15, 2010
Summary
Oral epithelia express Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels, suggesting a role in sensing environmental stimuli. These TRP channels in oral cells respond to various chemical and physical conditions, potentially contributing to oral sensation.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Molecular Biology
- Sensory Science
Background:
- Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels are crucial for sensing environmental stimuli.
- The expression and function of TRP channels in the oral mucosa, a key area for food intake, were previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and functional roles of TRP channels in oral epithelial cells.
- To determine if oral epithelia contribute to sensory perception of thermal, mechanical, and chemical conditions.
Main Methods:
- Examined TRP channel expression profiles across different oral epithelial regions (buccal, palatal, tongue).
- Stimulated oral epithelial cells with various TRP channel agonists (capsaicin, camphor, 4α-PDD, 2-APB, menthol) and measured intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) changes.
- Utilized TRPV channel antagonist ruthenium red to confirm TRP channel dependency of calcium responses.
Main Results:
- TRP channel expression demonstrated regional differences within the oral epithelia.
- Stimulation with agonists caused significant increases in intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) in oral epithelial cells.
- These calcium increases were dependent on TRP channel activity, as evidenced by suppression with ruthenium red.
Conclusions:
- Oral epithelia express a variety of functional TRP channels.
- Oral epithelial cells may play a direct role in the sensory perception of oral stimuli, complementing neuronal functions.
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