Temperature signaling can be initiated by members of transient receptor potential (thermo-TRP) channels. Hot and cold substances applied to teeth usually elicit pain sensation. Since odontoblasts constitute a well-defined layer between the pulp and the mineralized dentin, being first to encounter thermal stimulation from oral cavity, they may be involved in sensory transduction process, in addition to their primary function as formation of dentin. We investigated whether thermo-TRP channels are expressed in a odontoblast cell line, MDPC-23. The expressions of thermo-TRP channels were examined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, fluorometric calcium imaging. Analysis of RT-PCR revealed mRNA expression of TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV4 and TRPM8, but no TRPV3, TRPA1. Immunohistochemical approach failed to detect TRPV1 expression. Whereas the application of 4-phorbol-12,13-didecanoate(10 μM, a TRPV4 agonist), menthol(1 mM, a TRPM8 agonist) and icilin(10 μM, a TRPM8 agonist) produced the enhancement of intracellular calcium concentration, capsaicin(1 μM, a TRPV1 agonist) did not. Our results suggest that subfamily of thermo-TRP channels expressed in odontoblasts may serve as thermal or mechanical transducer in teeth.

• Joong Soo Kim(Department of Physiology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University) Corresponding author
• Seog Bae Oh(Department of Physiology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University)
• Kyu Young Yeon(Department of Physiology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University)
• Myoung Sang Shin(Department of Physiology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University)