Vanilloid receptor-related osmotically activated channel (VR-OAC), a candidate vertebrate osmoreceptor

A vertebrate osmoreceptor candidate has been identified in the vanilloid receptor-related osmotically activated channel (VR-OAC). Researchers cloned cDNAs encoding the VR-OAC from rats, mice, humans and chickens. A candidate-gene approach was based on genes encoding members of the TRP superfamily of ion channels. In the central nervous system, the channel is expressed in neurons of the circumventricular organs. These are neurosensory cells that respond to systemic osmotic pressure. The channel is in other neurosensory cells as well.