Abstract
Several temperature-activated transient receptor potential (thermoTRP) ion channels are the molecular receptors of natural compounds that evoke thermal and pain sensations. Menthol, popularly known for its cooling effect, activates TRPM8-a cold-activated thermoTRP ion channel. However, human physiological studies demonstrate a paradoxical role of menthol in modulation of warm sensation, and here, we show that menthol also activates heat-activated TRPV3. We further show that menthol inhibits TRPA1, potentially explaining the use of menthol as an analgesic. Similar to menthol, both camphor and cinnamaldehyde (initially reported to be specific activators of TRPV3 and TRPA1, respectively) also modulate other thermoTRPs. Therefore, we find that many "sensory compounds" presumed to be specific have a promiscuous relationship with thermoTRPs.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 335-343 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience |
| Volume | 32 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2006 Aug 1 |
| Externally published | Yes |
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ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Developmental Neuroscience
Cite this
More than cool : Promiscuous relationships of menthol and other sensory compounds. / Macpherson, Lindsey J.; Hwang, Sun Wook; Miyamoto, Takashi; Dubin, Adrienne E.; Patapoutian, Ardem; Story, Gina M.
In: Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Vol. 32, No. 4, 01.08.2006, p. 335-343.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - More than cool
T2 - Promiscuous relationships of menthol and other sensory compounds
AU - Macpherson, Lindsey J.
AU - Hwang, Sun Wook
AU - Miyamoto, Takashi
AU - Dubin, Adrienne E.
AU - Patapoutian, Ardem
AU - Story, Gina M.
PY - 2006/8/1
Y1 - 2006/8/1
N2 - Several temperature-activated transient receptor potential (thermoTRP) ion channels are the molecular receptors of natural compounds that evoke thermal and pain sensations. Menthol, popularly known for its cooling effect, activates TRPM8-a cold-activated thermoTRP ion channel. However, human physiological studies demonstrate a paradoxical role of menthol in modulation of warm sensation, and here, we show that menthol also activates heat-activated TRPV3. We further show that menthol inhibits TRPA1, potentially explaining the use of menthol as an analgesic. Similar to menthol, both camphor and cinnamaldehyde (initially reported to be specific activators of TRPV3 and TRPA1, respectively) also modulate other thermoTRPs. Therefore, we find that many "sensory compounds" presumed to be specific have a promiscuous relationship with thermoTRPs.
AB - Several temperature-activated transient receptor potential (thermoTRP) ion channels are the molecular receptors of natural compounds that evoke thermal and pain sensations. Menthol, popularly known for its cooling effect, activates TRPM8-a cold-activated thermoTRP ion channel. However, human physiological studies demonstrate a paradoxical role of menthol in modulation of warm sensation, and here, we show that menthol also activates heat-activated TRPV3. We further show that menthol inhibits TRPA1, potentially explaining the use of menthol as an analgesic. Similar to menthol, both camphor and cinnamaldehyde (initially reported to be specific activators of TRPV3 and TRPA1, respectively) also modulate other thermoTRPs. Therefore, we find that many "sensory compounds" presumed to be specific have a promiscuous relationship with thermoTRPs.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=33746716158&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=33746716158&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.mcn.2006.05.005
DO - 10.1016/j.mcn.2006.05.005
M3 - Article
VL - 32
SP - 335
EP - 343
JO - Molecular and Cellular Neurosciences
JF - Molecular and Cellular Neurosciences
SN - 1044-7431
IS - 4
ER -