[Functional identification of the TRPM8 cold receptor in rat prostate epithelial cells].

For the first time by means of electrophysiology we demonstrate functional expression of cold/menthol sensitive TRPM8 channel in secretory epithelial cells plasma membrane from rat prostate. Under whole-cell patch-clamp technique rapid cooling from 33 to 21 degrees C of freshly isolated rat prostate epithelial cells elicited the significant outward rectifying membrane current with close to 0 mV reversal potential characteristic of TRPM8 activation. Extracellular application of chemical analog of cooling, menthol (100 microM) at 33 degrees C evoked similar current responses.