LAUSR

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulate neuronal function, including plasticity and neurotransmitter biosynthesis and release. The cellular mechanisms that underlie redox modulation of neurotransmission are not fully resolved, but potential pathways include ROS-induced alterations in Ca2+ signaling in nerve terminals. In this study, we show that cold-sensitive receptor TRPM8 is activated by pro-oxidant tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP). Polymerase chain reaction, Western immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence indicated that TRPM8 channels are expressed in rat pheochromocytoma 12 (PC12) cells, a phenotypic model of sympathetic neurosecretion when differentiated with nerve growth factor. WS-12, a selective TRPM8 channel agonist, and tBHP increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration in differentiated PC12 cells; an effect attenuated by AMTB, a selective TRPM8 channel blocker, and siRNA-mediated TRPM8 knockdown. Blockade of TRPM8 channels also reduced WS-12- and tBHP-evoked norepinephrine secretion from the cells. These data suggest that TRPM8 channels contribute to oxidant-induced neurotransmission in PC12 cells.