title: TRP channel antagonists as potential antitussives.
abstract: Cough is a troublesome symptom associated with many respiratory diseases. In some instances cough can become prolonged and excessive, and chronic cough of various aetiologies is a common presentation to specialist respiratory clinics. However, current treatment options are limited. Despite its importance, our understanding of the mechanisms that provoke cough is poor. Recent investigation has focused on the interaction between G-protein-coupled receptors and ion channels expressed on airway sensory nerves that are responsible for driving the cough reflex. In particular, the Transient Receptor Potential class of ion channels appears to play a major role as a regulator of the afferent arm of the cough reflex and could be involved in the heightened cough response observed in disease states. Current research investigating the pathogenesis of cough supports the development of TRP channel inhibitors as novel and selective treatment modalities.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Respiratory Pharmacology, Pharmacology & Toxicology Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
authors.forename: Megan S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Grace
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dubuis
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Birrell
authors.forename: Maria G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Belvisi
mesh_terms: D000996:Antitussive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003371:Cough / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000502:physiology; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000294:innervation; D050051:Transient Receptor Potential Channels / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000996:Antitussive Agents; D050051:Transient Receptor Potential Channels