Figure 4.

TRPV1 contributes to synaptic plasticity. As a calcium cation channel, TRPV1 has been implicated in synaptic plasticity, especially in facilitating long term depression. (A) Activation of mGluR by glutamate triggers the synthesis and release of 12-(S) HPETE into the extracellular milieu. 12-(S)HPETE activates pre-synaptic TRPV1, and through a calcium-mediated pathway, glutamate release is blocked. (B) mGluR activation can also lead to production and release of anandamide. Anandamide binds postsynaptic TRPV1 to cause endocytosis of AMPA receptors, or to pre-synaptic cannabinoid receptors to inhibit glutamate release. 12-HPETE: 12(S)-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid, LOX12: 12-Lipoxygenase, CB1: cannabinoid receptor