Topic: TRPV1

[Background]: In ischemic limb, ATP and products of oxidative stress respectively stimulate purinergic P2X3 receptors and transient receptor potential cation channel V1 (TRPV1) in afferent nerves. In this study, limb ischemia was induced by 72-hour femoral artery occlusion in rats. We determined if concentration of intracellular calcium/[Ca2+]i is enhanced in muscle dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of ischemic rats following stimulation of P2X3; and if removal of TRPV1 alters P2X3-increased [Ca2+]i in DRG neurons. [Methods]: Muscle DRG neurons were identified by fluorescent Dil injected prev

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder with genetic and environmental origins. Alterations in sensory disturbance have been clinically linked to socio-emotional problems in individuals with ASD but remain understudied in the research field. Recent evidence has shown that the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a brain region plays an essential role in social cognition, is involved in pain management. Hence, this study aims to qualify nociceptive response of ASD and the implication of PFC. Valproate (VPA)-exposed offspring and Tsc2 heterozygous knockout (Tsc2+/-) mic

The initiation of somatic touch sensation begins with direct pressure stimulation of mechanically activated (MA) channels located in the nerve endings of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. PIEZO1 has been identified as a rapidly adapting MA channel, yet its involvement in mechanical pain remains unknown. Here, we employed fluorescence in situ hybridization, calcium imaging, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, and behavioral assays in mice to elucidate the pivotal role of PIEZO1 in mechanical pain transmission. Our findings reveal the expression of PIEZO1 in a subset of DRG neurons associated w

Scientifica PatchScope Pro system is an integrated electrophysiology rig incorporating an inverted phase-contrast fluorescence microscope, motorised XY stage and PatchStar micromanipulators, suitable for patch-clamp recording. In contrast to other patch-clamp systems, this microscope has a small footprint to maximise use of lab space. The low-noise electrical components are designed specifically for patch-clamp recordings. Fluorescence capability allows identification of cells of interest (e.g. using fluorescent markers or calcium-imaging) and motorisation of the stage means that XY co-ordinat

Statins represent a class of drugs commonly prescribed for lowering cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. While accumulating evidence indicates an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy with prolonged statin use in humans, in vivo animal studies revealed an anti-nociceptive effect of these drugs without fully elucidating the underlying mechanisms. Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels represent a major class of receptors that are expressed in the peripheral nervous system and are involved in pain signaling. Among these channels, TRP

Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons are quintessential for peripheral pain transduction, a process mediated, among others, by certain members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily of ion channels. Among those, TRPA1, TRPV1, TRPM3 and TRPM8 have been linked to chronic pain and neuropathies. Tumor suppressor candidate 5 (Tusc5) plays a role in adipocyte function, but is also expressed in all major classes of DRG neurons. Tusc5 function in DRGs has not been investigated. We conducted Fura-2 calcium imaging and patch clamp experiments in cultured DRG neurons from knock-in Tusc5eGFP

TRP Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a member of the TRP superfamily that is involved in the modulation of diverse sensations across species from reptiles to humans. In mammals, TRPV1 is predominantly known for its role in the peripheral nervous system as a modulator of noxious and thermal stimuli. However, there is limited knowledge about the role of this sensory channel in the Central Nervous System. Here, we investigated the function of cortical TRPV1 in sensory processing and detection. We implemented a whisker-based vibration detection task to explore the impact of TRPV1 on sensory perception, usin