Involvement of TRPV4 channels in thermoregulation and social behavior of Wistar rats

• Grant number: 12/11836-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: February 01, 2013
• End date: January 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - General Physiology
• Principal Investigator: Maria Camila Almeida
• Grantee: Robson Cristiano Lillo Vizin
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Body core temperature (Tc) among other vital signs, is extremely important for maintaining homeostasis of living organisms, since it influences the majority, if not all, physiological and pathophysiological processes. Regulation of Tc is made by autonomic and behavioral thermoregulatory mechanisms, and influenced by ambient temperature. However, the molecular mechanisms for detecting the ambient and Tc are not well known. With the recent discovery of the temperature sensitive thermo-TRP channels ("transient receptor potential") it is expected a great advance in the current scenario. Preliminary studies from our laboratory inspired the development of this project, which aims to study the involvement of TRPV4 channels (sensitive in vitro temperatures in the range of 24-34°C) on the autonomic and behavioral thermoregulatory mechanisms and the influence of these channels on social behavior in rats. We will use selective agonists (RN1747) and antagonists (RN1734) of the TRPV4 channels and changes in ambient temperature. Wistar rats will be used to investigate the influence of TRPV4 channels on the Tc and on the circadian Tc cycle. We will also study the influence of these channels on the autonomic and behavioral thermoregulatory mechanisms that are recruited to develop the thermoregulatory response to the TRPV4 agonist, and the involvement of TRPV4 channels on social interaction and grooming behavior in animals exposed to heat. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

VIZIN, R. C. L.; SCARPELLINI, C. DA S.; ISHIKAWA, D. T.; CORREA, G. M.; DE SOUZA, C. O.; GARGAGLIONI, L. H.; CARRETTIERO, D. C.; BICEGO, K. C.; ALMEIDA, M. C.. TRPV4 activates autonomic and behavioural warmth-defence responses in Wistar rats. ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, v. 214, n. 2, p. 275-289, JUN 2015. (12/19966-0, 11/19131-2, 09/11446-4, 12/11836-0, 11/06528-1)