Researchers discover molecular mechanism that desensitizes us to cold
...ng lipid in the cell membrane called PIP2. Cold or menthol stimulate this receptor and alter the electrical properties of the membrane, a process that leads to the sensation of cold. When the receptor is stimulated, calcium enters the cell and stimulates the breakdown of PIP2. When PIP2 is broken down, the r...Novel method reveals how menthol discovery could point towards new or improved pain therapies
...ations. Understanding how small molecules such as menthol affect the function of these proteins could be cru... mutants to find mutants that were not enhanced by menthol but were otherwise functioning normally. The scientists' analysis pinpointed a potential interactio...Detecting cold, feeling pain: Study reveals why menthol feels fresh
...n cause pain. As such, the receptor – known as menthol receptor TRPM8 -- provides a target for studying a...ed to extremes. "It's been known for years that menthol and related cooling agents evoke the psychophysical sensation of cold – somehow by interacting with ...