TRPV1 Ion Channel (IMAGE) Arizona State University Caption Heat activates the TRPV1 channel which is in the middle. In red, is the domain the authors show to be central to heat activation, the molecule on the right is capsaicin. It is the cognate agonist for TRPV1, it is also the active ingredient in spicy food and pepper/bear spray. In the end TRPV1 integrates these stimuli which sends the signals to the brain for interpretation (i.e. TRPV1 is the receptor that initiates signal transduction). Credit Wade Van Horn Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.