Odontoblast TRP channels and thermo/mechanical transmission

J Dent Res. 2009 Nov;88(11):1014-9. doi: 10.1177/0022034509343413.

Abstract

Odontoblasts function as mechanosensory receptors because of the expression of mechanosensitive channels in these cells. However, it is unclear if odontoblasts direct the signal transmission evoked by heat/cold or osmotic changes. This study investigated the effects of heat/cold or osmotic changes on calcium signaling and the functional expression of the thermo/mechanosensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in primary cultured mouse odontoblastic cells, with the use of RT-PCR, fluorometric calcium imaging, and electrophysiology. TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3, TRPV4, and TRPM3 mRNA was expressed, but TRPM8 and TRPA1 mRNA was not. The receptor-specific stimulation of TRPV1-3 (heat-sensing receptors) and TRPV4/ TRPM3 (mechanic receptors) caused increases in the intracellular calcium concentration. Moreover, the channel activities of TRPV1-4 and TRPM3 were confirmed by a whole-cell patch-clamp technique. These results suggest that primary cultured mouse odontoblasts express heat/mechanosensitive TRP channels and play a role in the underlying mechanisms of thermo/mechanosensitive sensory transmission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Ankyrin Repeat
  • Calcium Channels / analysis
  • Calcium Signaling / physiology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cold Temperature
  • Dental Pulp / cytology
  • Hot Temperature
  • Mechanoreceptors / physiology
  • Mechanotransduction, Cellular / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Odontoblasts / physiology*
  • Osmosis
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • TRPA1 Cation Channel
  • TRPM Cation Channels / analysis
  • TRPV Cation Channels / analysis
  • Thermosensing / physiology*
  • Transient Receptor Potential Channels / analysis
  • Transient Receptor Potential Channels / physiology*

Substances

  • Calcium Channels
  • TRPA1 Cation Channel
  • TRPM Cation Channels
  • TRPM3 protein, mouse
  • TRPM8 protein, mouse
  • TRPV Cation Channels
  • TRPV1 protein, mouse
  • Transient Receptor Potential Channels
  • Trpa1 protein, mouse
  • Trpv2 protein, mouse
  • Trpv3 protein, mouse
  • Trpv4 protein, mouse