The peptide Phα1β, from spider venom, acts as a TRPA1 channel antagonist with antinociceptive effects in mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Peptides from venomous animals have long been important for understanding pain mechanisms and for the discovery of pain treatments. Here, we hypothesized that Phα1β, a peptide from the venom of the armed spider Phoneutria nigriventer, produces analgesia by blocking the TRPA1 channel.

Experimental approach

Cultured rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, human fetal lung fibroblasts (IMR90) or HEK293 cells expressing the human TRPA1 (hTRPA1-HEK293), human TRPV1 (hTRPV1-HEK293) or human TRPV4 channels (hTRPV4-HEK293), were used for calcium imaging and electrophysiology. Nociceptive responses induced by TRPA1, TRPV1 or TRPV4 agonists or by bortezomib were investigated in mice.

Key results

Phα1β selectively inhibited calcium responses and currents e

SUBMITTER: Tonello R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5341489 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature