THE CLONED TRANSIENT RECEPTOR POTENTIAL VANILLOID subtype 1
(TRPV1) functions as a nonspecific cation channel that plays
an important role in thermal nociception and inflammatory
hyperalgesia (9). TRPV1 is activated by capsaicin (the active
ingredient of chili peppers), heat (43°C), protons (pH 5.9),
and endogenous lipids (7, 22), resulting in the mediation of
calcium entry and the enhancement of cytosolic calcium conc