Consequences of a human TRPA1 genetic variant on the perception of nociceptive and olfactory stimuli.

ABSTRACT:

Background

TRPA1 ion channels are involved in nociception and are also excited by pungent odorous substances. Based on reported associations of TRPA1 genetics with increased sensitivity to thermal pain stimuli, we therefore hypothesized that this association also exists for increased olfactory sensitivity.

Methods

Olfactory function and nociception was compared between carriers (n = 38) and non-carriers (n = 43) of TRPA1 variant rs11988795 G>A, a variant known to enhance cold pain perception. Olfactory function was quantified by assessing the odor threshold, odor discrimination and odor identification, and by applying 200-ms pulses of H2S intranasal. Nociception was assessed by measuring pain thresholds to experimental nociceptive stimuli (blunt pressure, electrical stimuli,

SUBMITTER: Schutz M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4005389 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature