Cortright Daniel N, Krause James E, Broom Daniel C
Neurogen Corporation, 35 N.E. Industrial Road, Branford, CT 06405, USA.
Biochim Biophys Acta. 2007 Aug;1772(8):978-88. doi: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2007.03.003. Epub 2007 Mar 19.
Since the molecular identification of the capsaicin receptor, now known as TRPV1, transient receptor potential (TRP) channels have occupied an important place in the understanding of sensory nerve function in the context of pain. Several TRP channels exhibit sensitivity to substances previously known to cause pain or pain-like sensations; these include cinnamaldehyde, menthol, gingerol, and icillin. Many TRP channels also exhibit significant sensitivity to increases or decreases in temperature. Some TRP channels are sensitized in vitro by the activation of other receptors such that these channels may be activated by processes, such as inflammation that result in pain. TRP channels are suggested to be involved in processes as diverse as sensory neuron activation events, neurotransmitter release and action in the spinal cord, and release of inflammatory mediators. These functions strongly suggest that specific and selective inhibition of TRP channel activity will be of use in alleviating pain.
自从辣椒素受体（现称为TRPV1）被分子鉴定以来，瞬时受体电位（TRP）通道在疼痛背景下对感觉神经功能的理解中占据了重要地位。几种TRP通道对先前已知会引起疼痛或疼痛样感觉的物质表现出敏感性；这些物质包括肉桂醛、薄荷醇、姜辣素和异青霉素。许多TRP通道对温度的升高或降低也表现出显著的敏感性。一些TRP通道在体外可通过其他受体的激活而被致敏，以至于这些通道可能被诸如炎症等导致疼痛的过程所激活。TRP通道被认为参与了多种过程，如感觉神经元激活事件、脊髓中的神经递质释放和作用以及炎症介质的释放。这些功能强烈表明，特异性和选择性抑制TRP通道活性将有助于减轻疼痛。
