TRPV1

TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1), also known as the capsaicin receptor, is a non-selective cation channel best known as a sensor of noxious heat (> 43 °C), acidic pH, and the vanilloid agonists capsaicin and resiniferatoxin (Caterina et al., 1997, Nature 389:816). TRPV1 is expressed on nociceptive sensory neurons and in several CNS regions. Anandamide is an endogenous TRPV1 agonist at higher concentrations than required for CB1 activation, making it a genuine "endovanilloid." CBD activates and then rapidly desensitizes TRPV1, a mechanism invoked to explain some analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. CBC, CBDV, and CBGA also modulate TRP channels (De Petrocellis et al., 2011). The convergence of cannabinoid and TRP pharmacology underlies substantial overlap in pain and inflammation signaling. → See also: Anandamide, CBD, CBC, Endocannabinoid system.