Vanilloid Receptor Subtype 1 (VR1)

Vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (VR1) is a non-selective cation channel that is activated by vanilloids, such as capsaicin. VR1 has been shown to be present in the bladder and trigeminal ganglia, where it mediates pain signaling. VR1 also has a high expression level in the hippocampus and is found in rat cardiomyocytes. The uptake of 3-aminobenzamide (3AB) was inhibited by VR1 agonists, suggesting that this receptor may be involved in uptake of 3AB into cells. The activation of VR1 leads to an inhibitory effect on neuronal activity through selective inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels.