Camphor activates some of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels such as TRPV1,
TRPV3, TRPM8, and inhibits TRPA1, causing warm sensation, excitation, and desensitization of sensory nerves, relieving the pain, itch and irritation in the applied area.
Specific substances such as Menthol and Camphor are higher in percentage that is 2.6% and 4.73% respectively,1 they attenuate the excitability of nerve membranes and of the specific itch mediating C-fibers and A-fibers.2 Both substances act by attaching to the transient receptor potential (TRP) receptor, but the main mechanism of action by which topical menthol reduces pruritus is by attaching onto the cold receptor TRPM8 which then goes and reaches the A-delta fibers and hence giving a cooling sensation.2 While camphor attaches onto the warm receptor
TRPV3.3 Furthermore, menthol also helps in providing general anaesthesia by being a positive modulator of GABA type a receptor.
Summary: TEHRAN (FNA)- Biomedical researchers have captured close-up views of
TRPV3, a skin-cell ion channel that plays important roles in sensing temperature, itch, and pain.
2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate as a common activator of TRPV 1, TRPV2, and
TRPV3 channels.
(47, 63) TRPC1 and TRPC4, the closest relatives of TRPC5, as well as the thermosensor channels TRPV1,
TRPV3 and TRPV4, carry Cys residues corresponding to Cys553 and Cys558 in the TRPC5 protein.
Within the TRP family, there are four different molecules (TRPV1, TRPV2,
TRPV3, and TRPV4) that respond to different degrees of temperature increase, ranging from the perception of heat all the way up to harmful levels [24-26].
[41.] Chung MK, Guler AD, Caterina MJ (2005) Biphasic currents evoked by chemical or thermal activation of the heat-gated ion channel,
TRPV3. J Biol Chem 280: 15928-15941.
In the lab, the team produced one of the mammoth temperature sensors, a protein called
TRPV3. As computer models had predicted, the mammoth protein was 20 percent less active than the elephant version, researchers report in the July 14 Cell Reports.
(2012) Cannabinoid actions at TRPV channels: effects on
TRPV3 and TRPV4 and their potential relevance to gastrointestinal inflammation.
In addition to TRPV4 and TRPM8 as found in BAT, these nerves express other ion channels such as transient receptor potential V1 (TRPV1, TRPA1, and
TRPV3).