[Structure and function of nociceptive neuronal receptors].
It has been well known that pain is caused by nociceptive stimulation such as protons (i.e. acidic solutions), heat and capsaicin, a pungent ingredient of chilli peppers. For a long period, the signal transduction mechanism of pain activated by these nociceptive stimuli has not been clarified. Recent advance, especially the identification of TRPV1 receptor (for which capsaicin, protons and heat are ligands), P2X and P2Y receptor (for which ATP is a ligand) and acid sensing ion channel made a remarkable progress in understanding the mechanism of nociceptive neurons. This article reviews the structures and functions of nociceptive neuronal system particularly in TRPV1 receptor, P2X and P2Y receptors.
Shimizu
Toshihiko
T
Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center.
D006801:Humans; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2 / Q000502:physiology; D058476:Receptors, Purinergic P2X2; D050916:TRPV Cation Channels / Q000502:physiology
C546401:P2RX2 protein, human; D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2; D058476:Receptors, Purinergic P2X2; D050916:TRPV Cation Channels; C494482:TRPV1 protein, human