Exp Neurobiol.  2013 Mar;22(1):51-57. 10.5607/en.2013.22.1.51.

TRPV1 Activation in Primary Cortical Neurons Induces Calcium-Dependent Programmed Cell Death

• Song J
• Lee JH
• Lee SH
• Park KA
• Lee WT
• Lee JE

• KMID: 2165442
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5607/en.2013.22.1.51

Abstract

Transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 1 (TRPV1, also known as vanilloid receptor 1) is a receptor that detects capsaicin, a pungent component of chili peppers, and noxious heat. Although its function in the primary nociceptor as a pain receptor is well established, whether TRPV1 is expressed in the brain is still under debate. In this study, the responses of primary cortical neurons were investigated. Here, we report that 1) capsaicin induces caspase-3-dependent programmed cell death, which coincides with increased production of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite ; that 2) the prolonged capsaicin treatment induces a steady increase in the degree of capase-3 activation, which is prevented by the removal of capsaicin; 3) and that blocking calcium entry and calcium-mediated signaling prevents capsaicin-induced cell death. These results indicate that cortical neurons express TRPV1 whose prolonged activation causes cell death.

Keyword

capsaicin; primary neuron; apoptosis; Ca2+; NOS; caspase-3

MeSH Terms

Apoptosis
Brain
Calcium
Capsaicin
Capsicum
Caspase 3
Cell Death
Hot Temperature
Neurons
Nitric Oxide
Nociceptors
Peroxynitrous Acid
Calcium
Capsaicin
Caspase 3
Nitric Oxide
Peroxynitrous Acid