Localization of mechanosensitive channel TRPV4 in mouse skin

A transient receptor potential (TRP) family, TRPV4, is a calcium-permeable swell-activated channel, playing a role in cutaneous mechanosensation. To elucidate the localization in the mechanosensitive endings, we found with immunohistochemistry in mice that TRPV4 was expressed both by small (low threshold) and large (high threshold) dorsal root ganglia neurons. In addition to free nerve endings, TRPV4 was specifically located at cutaneous mechanosensory terminals co-localized with neurofilament 200, including Meissner, Merkel, penicillate and intraepidermal terminals but not including hair follicle palisades. The distribution suggests that the sensation of pressure by mechanosensitive TRPV4 channel is transmitted through A- as well as C-fiber. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.