Cannabinoids increase mechanosensitivity of trigeminal ganglion neurons innervating the inner walls of rat anterior chambers via activation of TRPA1.

Our previous study found that some trigeminal ganglion (TG) nerve endings in the inner walls of rat anterior chambers were mechanosensitive, and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) was an essential mechanosensitive channel in the membrane. To address the effect of cannabinoids on the mechanosensitive TG nerve endings in the inner walls of anterior chambers of rat eye, we investigated the effect of the (R)-(+)-WIN55, 212-2 mesylate salt (WIN), a synthetic cannabinoid on their cell bodies in vitro. Rat TG neurons innervating the inner walls of the anterior chambers were labeled by 1,1'-dilinoleyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine, 4-chlorobenzenesulfona (FAST DiI). Whole cell patch clamp was performed to record the currents induced by drugs and mechanical stimulation. Mechanical stimulation was applied to the neurons by buffer ejection. WIN evoked inward currents via TRPA1 activation in FAST DiI-labeled TG neurons. WIN enhanced mechanosensitive currents via TRPA1 activation in FAST DiI-labeled TG neurons. Our results indicate that cannabinoids can enhance the mechanosensitivity of TG endings in the inner walls of anterior chambers of rat eye via TRPA1 activation.