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Updated: Sep 3, 2025
A Simple and Inexpensive Method for Determining Cold Sensitivity and Adaptation in Mice
Published on: March 17, 2015
Activation of peripheral TRPM8 mitigates ischemic stroke by topically applied menthol
Shiang-Suo Huang1,2,3, Hsing-Hui Su1,4, Szu-Yu Chien4
1Department of Pharmacology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan.
Background:
No reports exist as to neuroprotective effects associated with topical activation of transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8), a noted cold receptor. In the present study, we identified whether activating peripheral TRPM8 can be an adjuvant therapy for ischemic stroke.
Methods:
Menthol, an agonist of TRPM8, was applied orally or topically to all paws or back of the mouse after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). We used Trpm8 gene knockout (Trpm8-/-) mice or TRPM8 antagonist and lidocaine to validate the roles of TRPM8 and peripheral nerve conduction in menthol against ischemic stroke.
Results:
Application of menthol 16% to paw derma attenuated infarct volumes and ameliorated sensorimotor deficits in stroke mice induced by MCAO. The benefits of topically applied menthol were associated with reductions in oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and infiltration of monocytes and macrophages in ischemic brains. Antagonizing TRPM8 or Trpm8 knockout dulls the neuroprotective effects of topically application of menthol against MCAO. Immunohistochemistry analyses revealed significantly higher TRPM8 expression in skin tissue samples obtained from the paws compared with skin from the backs, which was reflected by significantly smaller infarct lesion volumes and better sensorimotor function in mice treated with menthol on the paws compared with the back. Blocking conduction of peripheral nerve in the four paws reversed the neuroprotective effects of topical menthol administrated to paws. On the other hand, oral menthol dosing did not assist with recovery from MCAO in our study.
Conclusion:
Our results suggested that activation of peripheral TRPM8 expressed in the derma tissue of limbs with sufficient concentration of menthol is beneficial to stroke recovery. Topical application of menthol on hands and feet could be a novel and simple-to-use therapeutic strategy for stroke patients.
Insights
Topical menthol activates peripheral TRPM8 (transient receptor potential melastatin 8) receptors, reducing stroke damage and improving recovery. This approach, applied to limbs, shows promise as a novel stroke therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Stroke Research
Background:
- Neuroprotective effects of topical TRPM8 activation are unexplored.
- Investigating TRPM8 activation as an adjuvant therapy for ischemic stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if activating peripheral TRPM8 can serve as an adjuvant therapy for ischemic stroke.
Main Methods:
- Menthol (TRPM8 agonist) applied orally/topically to mice post-middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).
- Utilized Trpm8 gene knockout mice, TRPM8 antagonist, and lidocaine to assess TRPM8 and nerve conduction roles.
- Compared topical menthol application on paws versus back.
Main Results:
- Topical 16% menthol on paws reduced infarct volumes and improved sensorimotor deficits in MCAO mice.
- Benefits linked to reduced oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and immune cell infiltration in ischemic brains.
- Higher TRPM8 expression in paw skin correlated with greater neuroprotection compared to back application; nerve conduction blockade reversed effects.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral TRPM8 activation in limb skin with menthol aids stroke recovery.
- Topical menthol on hands/feet offers a novel, user-friendly therapeutic strategy for stroke patients.
