Immunoreactivity of VR1 on epidermal keratinocyte of human skin

We demonstrated the immunoreactivity of the receptor proteins, VR1, ion cha nnels associated with pain sensation, on the epidermis of the human skin. I mmunohistochemistry using antiserum against VR1 derived peptide showed immu noreactivity on the keratinocytes cell membrane of the human epidermis and cultured keratinocytes. The blocking peptide of the antiserum reduced the i mmunoreactivity on the epidermis. RT-PCR assay of cultured human keratinocy te also showed expression of VR1 mRNA. These results suggest the existence of VR1-like protein in epidermal keratinocytes of human skin. (C) 2001 Acad emic Press.