TRPV1 and Synaptic Transmission

Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1 is a prominent “pain” receptor expressed in sensory afferent neurons. TRPV1 on peripheral nerve terminals detects a variety of noxious stimuli generated at sites of injury and inflammation, and in turn, drives the excitation and sensitization of C-fiber neurons. Significantly, TRPV1 is also located on the central terminals of sensory neurons projecting to the spinal cord and brainstem. These TRPV1 channels appear to stimulate the secretion of glutamate. Further, TRPV1 is expressed diffusely in the brain and there is emerging evidence for TRPV1 modulating transmission at various brain synapses. Here we discuss our current understanding of the potential roles for TRPV1 in synaptic transmission.