Skin and internal organs feel cold differently

Internal organs such as the lungs and stomach use a different mechanism. There, the TRPA1 receptor plays a key role, which reacts to cooling differently and is associated with the internal regulation of physiological processes, rather than with direct perception of the external environment.

The difference in the operation of these sensors explains why touching a cold surface feels different than inhaling cold air or eating very cold food. Each type of tissue activates its own neural pathways and molecular receptors adapted to its functions.

In the course of the study, scientists analyzed the activity of sensory neurons transmitting signals from the skin and internal organs. For this purpose, methods of calcium imaging and electrophysiological recordings were used, as well as pharmacological blocking of individual receptors. Additionally, genetically modified models were used, which lacked TRPM8 or TRPA1.

The results showed that cold perception is finely tuned to the tasks of specific tissues and plays an important role in maintaining the body’s thermal balance. According to the authors, this discovery expands the understanding of the work of sensory systems and may help in the study of pathologies associated with impaired sensitivity to cold, including some forms of neuropathies.