Vanilloid receptor

Abstract

The isolated nucleic acid encoding human vanilloid receptor, said receptor, its preparation, cells expressing said receptor and an assay for testing compounds for their potential to decrease pain in humans. The receptor is involved in detection of noxious stimuli in mammalian organisms.

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         7 . A recombinant human vanilloid receptor.  
     
     
         8 . The receptor of  claim 7  encoded by a nucleic acid wherein the nucleic acid has sequence identity of from more than 85.5% to 100% over the open reading frame of SEQ ID NO:1.  
     
     
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         10 . The receptor of  claim 7  wherein when the receptor is expressed in mammalian cells, the receptor can be activated by capsaicin, in the presence of temperatures greater than 42° C. and by pH less than 5.5.  
     
     
         11 . The receptor of  claim 7  wherein activation by capsaicin, temperatures greater than 42° C. or by pH less than 5.5 is inhibited by the action of the capsaicin antagonist capsazepine.  
     
     
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         19 . An isolated human vanilloid receptor