| Summary: | 2. SUMMARY Tbe vanilloid receptor (also callcd 'capsaicin receptor') ISa nonselective catian chaLUlcl that IS predominantly exprcssed by nociceptive primary sensory neurons. This receptor was tenned vaniUoid receptor subtype 1 (TRPV I) because it became the founding member of the vanilloid receptor subfamily ortransient receptor potential (TRP) channels, a large supeďamily af nonselective cation channels that play important roles in many sensory functions. The TRPV I channel cao be activated by pungcnt vanilJoid compounds like capsaicin ar resiniferatoxln, acid (pH < 6.5), noxious heat (> 43řC), phorbol csters, endogcnous arachidonic acid derivatives, ar depolarizing voltages. Upon activation by capsaicin, TRPV 1 can regulate cellular calcium levels via direct penneatioD (PCJPN. - lO), wbich concomitantly downregulates its own activity and activates different G-protein- and phospholipase C-coupled signaling cascades. Understanding tbese underlying mechanisms is one af the key strategies that offer a way to alleviatr;: neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Although tbe molecular identificatian of tbe TRPV l channels bas greatly facilitated understanding tbc mechanisms ofthermal hyperalgesia associated with inflammation and thase by which vanilloids increase and subsequendy modulate nociceptor activity, there is...
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