TRPV1 channel
Main function
TRPV1 helps detect potentially harmful heat, acidity and irritating compounds. It is especially important in pain-sensing nerves and contributes to burning sensations, heat sensitivity and inflammatory pain. TRPV1 also helps detect irritants in the respiratory system and contributes to coughing.
Main body locations
Positive and negative describe interaction direction, not whether an effect is good or bad. Activating a target can have unwanted effects, while reducing or blocking it can sometimes have beneficial effects.
Increased activity
Increased TRPV1 activity initially increases burning sensations, heat sensitivity, pain and sensitivity to inflammatory stimuli. In the airways it can increase irritation and coughing. Strong or repeated activation can later desensitize the channel and sensory nerves, which can significantly reduce some forms of chronic or neuropathic pain and reduce sensitivity to further irritation.
Reduced or blocked activity
Reduced or blocked TRPV1 activity can decrease heat-related pain, burning, inflammatory pain and sensitivity to airway irritants, and may reduce coughing. Strong TRPV1 blockade can also interfere with normal heat detection and has been associated with increases in body temperature.