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Related Concept Videos

Thermosensation01:43

Thermosensation

29.7K
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...
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Mechanically-gated Ion Channels01:12

Mechanically-gated Ion Channels

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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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G-Protein Gated Ion Channels01:21

G-Protein Gated Ion Channels

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GPCRs are primarily responsible for our sense of smell, taste, and vision.  The binding of a sensory stimulus activates GPCR to stimulate effector proteins, many of which are ion channels in the sensory organs. GPCRs modulate the opening and closing of the target ion channels either directly by binding them, or by releasing second messengers that activate these channels. As ions move across the membrane, the membrane potential is altered, which induces an appropriate response.
Sensory...
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Thermoregulation01:26

Thermoregulation

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The human body has a sophisticated thermoregulation system that employs negative feedback mechanisms to maintain an optimal core temperature. When the core temperature drops, peripheral and central thermoreceptors send signals to the hypothalamus, activating the heat-promoting center. This center triggers several responses aimed at increasing the core temperature. First, vasoconstriction reduces the flow of warm blood from internal organs to the skin so that the heat is not lost from the skin,...
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Body Temperature01:25

Body Temperature

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The body's temperature, measured in degrees, is determined by the balance between heat production and dissipation to the surrounding environment. For instance, if exercising vigorously, the body will produce more heat, causing sweat and dissipating that heat. Despite extreme environmental conditions and physical exertion, the human temperature-control system maintains a constant core body temperature (the temperature of deep tissues, which are the tissues located beneath the skin and other...
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Body Temperature01:07

Body Temperature

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Body temperature reflects the equilibrium between heat production and heat loss within the body. Most heat is generated by metabolically active tissues, particularly the liver, heart, brain, kidneys, and endocrine organs. At rest, skeletal muscles contribute 20–30% of total heat production, but during vigorous exercise, this can increase up to 30–40 times.
The average body temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F) and typically ranges from 36.1–37.2°C...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 27, 2026

A Simple and Inexpensive Method for Determining Cold Sensitivity and Adaptation in Mice
08:35

A Simple and Inexpensive Method for Determining Cold Sensitivity and Adaptation in Mice

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TRP channels and thermosensation.

Thomas Voets1

  • 1Laboratory of Ion Channel Research and TRP Research Platform Leuven (TRPLe), KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 bus 802, 3000, Leuven, Belgium, thomas.voets@med.kuleuven.be.

Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|June 26, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Several thermoTRP channels act as critical thermosensors in the somatosensory system. Their steep temperature dependence is key to sensing cooling and heating, with ongoing research exploring their thermodynamic and molecular basis.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels are crucial for sensory perception.
  • Certain TRP channels, termed "thermoTRPs," display significant temperature-dependent gating.
  • These channels are implicated as key thermosensors in the somatosensory system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of TRP channels in thermosensing.
  • To explore the thermodynamic and molecular basis of thermoTRP temperature sensitivity.
  • To understand the role of thermoTRPs in the somatosensory system.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and critical analysis of existing research on thermoTRPs.
  • Examination of studies on temperature-dependent gating mechanisms.

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  • Analysis of data regarding the role of TRP channels in thermosensation.

    • Main Results:

    • ThermoTRPs exhibit steep changes in depolarizing current with temperature fluctuations.
    • Their temperature sensitivity is fundamental to their function as thermosensors.
    • Research highlights their importance in detecting cooling and heating stimuli.

    Conclusions:

    • TRP channels, particularly thermoTRPs, play a vital role in thermosensation.
    • Understanding their steep temperature dependence is crucial for neuroscience.
    • Further research into their thermodynamic and molecular underpinnings is warranted.