Nociceptive sensory peripheral neurons often express both heat sensitive (VR1) and cold-sensitive (CMR1 (rat); TRPM8 (human)) receptors that are part of the transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily. Icilin (AG 3-5) is a synthetic CMR1/TRPM8 super agonist that is 2.5-fold more efficacious and nearly 200-fold more potent than the reference cold thermosensory agonist, l-menthol.1 Icilin induces sensations of intense cold when applied orally in humans, and induces 'wet dog shakes', a behavioral marker of cold sensation, when given to rats. Icilin should serve as the reference cold nociceptive agonist for TRP-type ion channels in the future.2
1
McKemy, D.D., Neuhausser, W.M., and Julius, D. Identification of a cold receptor reveals a general role for TRP channels in thermosensation. Nature41652-58(2002).
2
Wei, E.T., and Seid, D.A. AG-3-5: A chemical producing sensations of cold. J Pharm Pharmacol35110-112(1983).
McKemy, D.D., Neuhausser, W.M., and Julius, D. Identification of a cold receptor reveals a general role for TRP channels in thermosensation. Nature41652-58(2002).
Podesva, C., and Do Nascimento, J.M. 1,2,3,6-Tetrahydropyrimidine-2-one compounds and processes for making them. 66,8721-28(1974).
Wei, E.T., and Seid, D.A. AG-3-5: A chemical producing sensations of cold. J Pharm Pharmacol35110-112(1983).
Icilin is available in the following screening
library: