Abstract
Nociceptive information is transmitted by action potentials (APs) through primary afferent neurons from the periphery to the central nervous system. Voltage-gated Na(+) channels are involved in this AP production, while transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, which are non-selective cation channels, are involved in receiving and transmitting nociceptive stimuli in the peripheral and central terminals of the primary afferent neurons. Peripheral terminal TRP vanilloid-1 (TRPV1), ankylin-1 (TRPA1) and melastatin-8 (TRPM8) activation produces APs, while central terminal TRP activation enhances the spontaneous release of L-glutamate from the terminal to spinal cord and brain stem lamina II neurons that play a pivotal role in modulating nociceptive transmission. There is much evidence demonstrating that chemical compounds involved in Na(+) channel (or nerve AP conduction) inhibition modify TRP channel functions. Among these compounds are local anesthetics, anti-epileptics, α(2)-adrenoceptor agonists, antidepressants (all of which are used as analgesic adjuvants), general anesthetics, opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and plant-derived compounds, many of which are involved in antinociception. This review mentions the modulation of Na(+) channels and TRP channels including TRPV1, TRPA1 and TRPM8, both of which modulations are produced by pain-related compounds.