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Proton Sensing on the Ocular Surface: Implications in Eye Pain
Núria Comes1,2, Xavier Gasull1,2, Gerard Callejo1,2
1Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Medical School, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Frontiers in Pharmacology
|December 13, 2021
Summary
Protons activate ion channels in the eye, causing pain and inflammation. Targeting these channels, like Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and Acid-Sensing Ion Channels (ASICs), offers new therapeutic strategies for ocular conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Acidic conditions and tissue damage in the eye activate ion channels on sensory nerves.
- These ion channels are crucial for understanding ocular pain and inflammation.
- Identifying these channels is key to developing new treatments for eye conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of ion channels in ocular acid sensing and pain.
- To identify specific ion channel families involved in ocular surface pathophysiology.
- To explore potential therapeutic targets for ophthalmic pain and inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ion channels in ocular sensory nerves and ocular surface cells.
- Analysis of the function of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) and Acid-Sensing Ion Channel (ASIC) families in ocular pain.
- Examination of the role of other ion channels, including K2P and P2X, in ocular conditions.
Main Results:
- TRPV1 channels are activated by low pH (6), heat, and capsaicin.
- ASIC1, ASIC3, and ASIC1/ASIC3 heteromeric channels are activated by moderate acidification (pH 7.2-6.5).
- TRP and ASIC channels, including TRPA1, are implicated in acute ocular pain and inflammatory conditions like allergic keratoconjunctivitis.
Conclusions:
- TRP and ASIC ion channels play a critical role in ocular pain and inflammation.
- These channels are potential novel therapeutic targets for managing ophthalmic pain.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of K2P and P2X channels in ocular pain.
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