the transient receptor potential channel (trp) superfamily, which includes the menthol (trpm8) and capsaicin receptors (trpv1), serve a variety of functions in the peripheral and central nervous systems. in the peripheral nervous system, trps respond to stimuli from temperature, pressure, inflammatory agents, and receptor activation. central nervous system roles of the receptors include neurite outgrowth, receptor signaling, and excitoxic cell death resulting from noxious stimuli.