Icilin
Encyclopedia
Icilin is a synthetic
super-agonist
of the transient receptor potential M8 (TRPM8
) ion channel
. Although structurally not related with menthol
it produces an extreme sensation of cold both in humans and animals. It is almost 200 times more potent than menthol and 2.5 times more efficacious. Despite their similar effects icilin activates the TRPM8 receptor in a different way. Icilin is effective in an experimental model of itch. It is now used as a research tool for the study of TRP channels
.
Chemical synthesis
In chemistry, chemical synthesis is purposeful execution of chemical reactions to get a product, or several products. This happens by physical and chemical manipulations usually involving one or more reactions...
super-agonist
Agonist
An agonist is a chemical that binds to a receptor of a cell and triggers a response by that cell. Agonists often mimic the action of a naturally occurring substance...
of the transient receptor potential M8 (TRPM8
TRPM8
Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 , also known as the cold and menthol receptor 1 , is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TRPM8 gene.-Function:...
) ion channel
Ion channel
Ion channels are pore-forming proteins that help establish and control the small voltage gradient across the plasma membrane of cells by allowing the flow of ions down their electrochemical gradient. They are present in the membranes that surround all biological cells...
. Although structurally not related with menthol
Menthol
Menthol is an organic compound made synthetically or obtained from peppermint or other mint oils. It is a waxy, crystalline substance, clear or white in color, which is solid at room temperature and melts slightly above. The main form of menthol occurring in nature is -menthol, which is assigned...
it produces an extreme sensation of cold both in humans and animals. It is almost 200 times more potent than menthol and 2.5 times more efficacious. Despite their similar effects icilin activates the TRPM8 receptor in a different way. Icilin is effective in an experimental model of itch. It is now used as a research tool for the study of TRP channels
Transient receptor potential
Transient receptor potential channels are a group of ion channels located mostly on the plasma membrane of numerous human and animal cell types. There are about 28 TRP channels that share some structural similarity to each other...
.