Abstract
Among the line-up of important ion channels involved in peripheral pain pathways, the family of the transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels has attracted considerable attention and research work as a target class for drug discovery. One of these channels, the ankyrin transient receptor potential TRPA1, which expression is restricted to nociceptive neurons of peripheral ganglia, can be activated by isothiocyanates, pungent products from mustard oil and horse radish, phytocannabinoids, nicotin, environmental irritants contained in air polution, cigarette smoke and tear gas, but also by inflammatory mediators and endogenous products of oxidative stress.
The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the pharmacological, structural and functional properties of the TRPA1 channel in mammalian sensory system and to summarize recent evidence regarding its key properties that can be exploited for potential therapeutic advantage