Cough: The Emerging Role of the TRPA1 Channel

Abstract

Sneezing, cough, mucus secretion, and bronchoconstriction represent the main components of a coordinated and efficient reaction direct to expel or neutralize irritant agents from the respiratory system. A dense network of sensory nerves localized from the nose to the lower airways beneath the epithelium subserves this function. A variety of receptors and channels present in sensory nerve terminals by sensing irritant stimuli activate the system in emergence and initiate protective reflex responses, including cough. Previous and recent literature highlights the prominent role of some transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels, and specifically the vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and the ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) as sensors of airway irritation and initiators of the cough reflex.