title: Modulation of defensive behavior by Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type-1 (TRPV1) channels.
abstract: The Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type-1 (TRPV1) was first characterized in primary afferent fibers as a receptor for capsaicin (the pungent ingredient of chili peppers). Later on, this cation-permeable ion channel was also described in the central nervous system, where its main putative endogenous ligand is N-arachidonoyl ethanolamide (an endocannabinoid, also known as anandamide). Recent results employing genetic, pharmacological and histochemical techniques indicate that TRPV1 tonically modulate anxiety, fear and panic responses in brain regions related to defensive responses, such as the dorsal periaqueductal gray, the hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex. Genetic deletion or antagonism of this ion channel induces anxiolytic-like effects in several animal models. The main mechanism responsible for TRPV1-mediated effects on anxiety seems to involve facilitation of glutamatergic neurotransmission. In addition, there is evidence for interactions with other neurotransmitter systems, such as nitric oxide and endocannabinoids.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Aguiar
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.
authors.forename: F A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Moreira
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Systemic Neuroscience/Ludwig Maximilian Universität, Großhadernerstr. 2, Martinsried 82152, Germany; Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstrasse 2-10, Munich 80804, Germany.
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Terzian
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Fogaça
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.
authors.forename: S F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Lisboa
authors.affiliation: Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstrasse 2-10, Munich 80804, Germany.
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Wotjak
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil. Electronic address: fsguimar@fmrp.usp.br.
authors.forename: F S
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Guimaraes
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D050916:TRPV Cation Channels / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D050916:TRPV Cation Channels; C494484:TRPV1 receptor
keywords: Anandamide; Anxiety; Endocannabinoids; Endovanilloids; Fear