A role of TRPA1 in mechanical hyperalgesia is revealed by pharmacological inhibition

• Main Authors: Huynh Truc, Hwang Sun, Bandell Michael, Peier Andrea M, Petrus Matt, Olney Nicholas, Jegla Tim, Patapoutian Ardem
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publishing 2007-12-01
• Series: Molecular Pain
• Online Access: http://www.molecularpain.com/content/3/1/40

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Mechanical hyperalgesia is a clinically-relevant form of pain sensitization that develops through largely unknown mechanisms. TRPA1, a Transient Receptor Potential ion channel, is a sensor of pungent chemicals that may play a role in acute noxious mechanosensation and cold thermosensation. We have developed a specific small molecule TRPA1 inhibitor (AP18) that can reduce cinnameldehyde-induced nociception <it>in vivo</it>. Interestingly, AP18 is capable of reversing CFA-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in mice. Although TRPA1-deficient mice develop normal CFA-induced hyperalgeisa, AP18 is ineffective in the knockout mice, consistent with an on-target mechanism. Therefore, TRPA1 plays a role in sensitization of nociception, and that compensation in TRPA1-deficient mice masks this requirement.</p>