TRPA1 agonists evoke coughing in guinea pig and human volunteers.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Cough is the most frequent reason for consultation with a family doctor, or with a general or respiratory physician. Treatment options are limited and one meta-analysis concluded that over-the-counter remedies are ineffective. There is also increasing concern about their use in children. Environmental irritants such as air pollution and cigarette smoke are thought to evoke cough by stimulating airway sensory nerves; however, how this occurs is not fully understood.

Objectives

We hypothesized that the TRPA1 (transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily A, member 1) receptor may have a role as a novel target for tussive agents given that many potential irritants have been shown to activate this channel.

Methods

We investigated the effect of TRPA1 lig

SUBMITTER: Birrell MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2784411 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature