Improving brain power by applying a cool TRPM8 receptor agonist to the eyelid margin

Abstract

Heat impairs human learning and work output when environmental temperatures increase from 18 °C → 25+°C. The hypothesis here is that if the localized, ambient milieu around the upper eyelid margin is perceived as being ~15 °C in coolness, then the adverse effects of heat can be attenuated. This is achieved by topical wipe of a solution to the closed eyelid skin above the eyelashes. The receptor target is TRPM8, an integral membrane protein that transduces the sense of coolness/cold to the central nervous system. The wipe solution contains a TRPM8 agonist called cryosim-3 (1-diisopropylphosphorylnonane) at 1-3 mg/mL in water and designed for delivery to the eyelid margin. Other sensory systems negatively affected by heat, such as the surfaces of the nasal cavity, can also be treated with the TRPM8 agonist as an adjunct to relieve discomfort from the heat.