TRP channel antagonists for pain--opportunities beyond TRPV1

Curr Opin Investig Drugs. 2009 Jul;10(7):655-63.

Abstract

There is emerging evidence that transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels expressed in sensory neurons are important for the transduction of chemical, thermal and mechanical signals. Increasing research efforts are directed at understanding the roles of sensory TRP channels in acute and chronic pain. Studies using RNAi techniques to reduce the levels of individual TRP channels or genetically modified mice lacking specific channels are being complemented with pharmacological studies using newly discovered investigational compounds. These studies are providing evidence that drugs that interfere with the function of TRPA1, TRPM8, TRPV4 or TRPV3 may be useful in treating pain.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / chemistry
  • Analgesics / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Drug Discovery
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Molecular Structure
  • Pain / drug therapy*
  • Sensory Receptor Cells / drug effects*
  • Sensory Receptor Cells / metabolism
  • TRPV Cation Channels / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Transient Receptor Potential Channels / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Transient Receptor Potential Channels / genetics

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • TRPV Cation Channels
  • Transient Receptor Potential Channels