Identification of novel genes regulated by α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells

The vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (VR1/TRPV1) is a non-selective cation channel that binds the vanilloid capsaicin and endogenous cannabinoids. In human skin, VR1 has recently been shown to be expressed by keratinocytes in vitro and in vivo . To determine a precise localization of VR1 in other cutaneous compartments in particular cutaneous nerve fibres, we investigated VR1 immunoreactivity as well as mRNA and protein expression in a series of normal and capsaicin-treated human skin. VR1 immunoreactivity could be observed in cutaneous sensory nerve fibres, mast cells, epidermal keratinocytes, dermal blood vessels, the inner root sheet and infundibulum of hair follicles, differentiated sebocytes, sweat gland ducts and the secretory portion of eccrine sweat glands. Upon RT-PCR and Western blot, the expression of VR1 was confirmed in primary mast cells and keratinocytes from human skin. During capsaicin therapy, VR1-receptor distribution was unchanged, while a reduction of neuropeptides (substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide) was observed in nerve fibres. After cessation of capsaicin therapy, neuropeptides re-accumulated in skin nerves. In conclusion, VR1 is widely distributed in the skin, suggesting a central role for this receptor, e.g. in nociception and inflammation.