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Somatosensory Functions of Melastatin Transient-Receptor Potential Channels in the Teeth: Molecular Basis for Thermal
Ramón Méndez1, José Martín-Cruces1,2, Marcos Anache1
1Master ENDORE, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Abstract:
Dental pain due to dentine hypersensitivity or pulpitis is characterized by short or lasting episodes of pain triggered by normally innocuous stimuli originating from exposed dentine. Both represent the most frequent pain of the orofacial region. Transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily of ion channels participates in the detection of different modalities of sensibility in the mammalian sensory teeth system, i.e., trigeminal neurons and odontoblasts. In particular, some members of the melastatin family (TRPM) serve as molecular thermal sensors, and temperature is one of the most potent stimuli in triggering dentine hypersensitivity. Here we review and update the information about the distribution of TRPM channels in the trigeminal ganglion and dental pulp cells, especially odontoblasts, in humans and animal models. In addition to the well-known sensory roles of TRPM, other functions such as the development and mineralization of teeth are considered.
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