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Ion Channels Involved in Tooth Pain
Kihwan Lee1, Byeong-Min Lee2, Chul-Kyu Park3
1Gachon Pain Center and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-799, Korea. key1479@gmail.com.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 11, 2019
Summary
Tooth pain arises paradoxically from non-pain neurons. This review explores ion channels, including mechanosensitive ones like TRPM7 and PIEZO, crucial for understanding dental nociception and odontoblast sensory roles.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Dental Research
- Pain Research
Background:
- The tooth's sensory system paradoxically converts stimuli into pain, despite afferent neurons showing non-nociceptive properties.
- Understanding the mechanisms of tooth pain is crucial for effective pain management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the paradoxical nociception in teeth.
- To focus on the specific ion channels involved in tooth pain, particularly mechanosensitive channels.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on dental sensory systems and ion channels.
- Analysis of studies investigating temperature-sensitive, mechanosensitive, ligand-gated, and voltage-gated ion channels in teeth.
Main Results:
- Temperature-sensitive ion channels do not fully explain tooth pain from innocuous stimuli.
- The hydrodynamic theory, involving mechanosensitive ion channels in dentinal tubules, is a key focus.
- TRPM7 and PIEZO receptors are identified as promising candidates for mechanotransduction in tooth pain.
Conclusions:
- Ion channels, especially mechanosensitive ones, play a critical role in tooth pain.
- Odontoblasts may have a significant sensory function, with their expressed ion channels requiring further investigation for their role in dental nociception.
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