Author: Jin Y, Kim DK, Khil LY, Oh U, Kim J, Kwak J.
Source: Neurosci Lett.
Year: 2004
Comment:
Abstract / Excerpt:
“TRPV1, a receptor for capsaicin, plays a key role in mediating thermal and inflammatory pain. Because the modulation of ion channels by the cellular redox state is a significant determinant of channel function, we investigated the effects of sulfhydryl modification on the activity of TRPV1. Thimerosal, which oxidizes sulfhydryls, blocked the capsaicin-activated inward current (I(cap)) in cultured sensory neurons, in a reversible and dose-dependent manner, which was prevented by the co-application of the reducing agent, dithiothreitol. Among the three cysteine residues of TRPV1 that are exposed to the extracellular space, the oxidation-induced effect of thimerosal on I(cap) was blocked only by a point mutation at Cys621. These results suggest that the modification of an extracellular thiol group can alter the activity of TRPV1. Consequently, we propose that such a modulation of the redox state might regulate the physiological activity of TRPV1.”
Citation:
Jin Y, Kim DK, Khil LY, Oh U, Kim J, Kwak J. Thimerosal decreases TRPV1 activity by oxidation of extracellular sulfhydryl residues. Neurosci Lett. 2004; 369(3): 250-5.