TRPA1 agonists--allyl isothiocyanate and cinnamaldehyde--induce adrenaline secretion

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2008 Oct;72(10):2608-14. doi: 10.1271/bbb.80289. Epub 2008 Oct 7.

Abstract

Thermosensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, especially TRPV1 and TRPA1, are activated by the pungent compounds present in spices. TRPV1 activation by the intake of capsaicin, the irritant in hot pepper, induces adrenaline secretion and increases energy consumption. TRPV1 is mainly expressed in the sensory neurons and coexpressed with TRPA1 at a high frequency. However, the mechanism underlying adrenaline secretion by TRPA1 agonists such as allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and cinnamaldehyde (CNA), the pungent ingredients in mustard and cinnamon, is not known. We examined whether AITC and CNA could induce adrenaline secretion in anesthetized rats. An intravenous injection of AITC or CNA (10 mg/kg) increased adrenaline secretion. These responses disappeared completely in capsaicin-treated rats with an impaired sensory nerve function. Moreover, pretreatment with cholinergic blockers (hexamethonium and atropine) attenuated the AITC- or CNA-induced adrenaline secretion. These results suggest that TRPA1 agonists activate the sensory nerves and induce adrenaline secretion via the central nervous system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acrolein / analogs & derivatives*
  • Acrolein / pharmacology
  • Adrenal Glands / drug effects
  • Adrenal Glands / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Ankyrins
  • Calcium Channel Agonists / pharmacology*
  • Calcium Channels / metabolism*
  • Capsaicin / chemistry
  • Capsaicin / pharmacology
  • Cholinergic Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Epinephrine / metabolism*
  • Isothiocyanates / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Molecular Structure
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • TRPA1 Cation Channel
  • TRPC Cation Channels

Substances

  • Ankyrins
  • Calcium Channel Agonists
  • Calcium Channels
  • Cholinergic Antagonists
  • Isothiocyanates
  • TRPA1 Cation Channel
  • TRPC Cation Channels
  • Trpa1 protein, rat
  • Acrolein
  • allyl isothiocyanate
  • Capsaicin
  • cinnamaldehyde
  • Epinephrine