Expression and function of transient receptor potential vanilloid-related channels on respiratory system

Transient receptor potential vanilloid-related(TRPV)channels are generally expressed in several cell types in human and animal respiratory system.Increasing evidence has demonstrated the important roles of these cation channels,particularly TRPV1 and TRPV4,in the regulation of respiratory function.These TRPVs channel can be activated not only by a number of endogenous substances(hydrogen ion,certain lipoxygenase products,etc),but also by the changes in physiological conditions(e.g.pH value,temperature,osmolarity,etc).Activation of these channels can evoke Ca2+ influx and subsequently induce functional accommodation under the physiological or pathological condition.This review focuses primarily on the advancement of study about function of TRPV1 and TRPV4 expressed in the respiratory system. Key words: TRPV channel; Respiratory system