Page last updated: 2024-10-24

thermosensory behavior

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Behavior that is dependent upon the sensation of temperature. [GOC:ems]

Thermosensory behavior is the ability of organisms to perceive and respond to temperature changes in their environment. This complex process involves a series of steps, beginning with the detection of thermal stimuli by specialized sensory receptors. These receptors, often located in the skin or other body surfaces, can be sensitive to both heat and cold. Upon activation, these receptors send signals to the nervous system, where the information is processed and interpreted.

The brain then integrates this information with other sensory inputs, as well as internal physiological signals, to generate an appropriate behavioral response. This response can range from simple avoidance behaviors, such as moving away from a hot or cold source, to more complex adaptations, such as seeking out thermal refuges or adjusting metabolic rates.

The biological basis of thermosensory behavior involves a variety of mechanisms, including:

* **Ion channels:** Specific types of ion channels in sensory neurons are activated by temperature changes, leading to changes in membrane potential and the generation of nerve impulses.
* **Signal transduction pathways:** Temperature-sensitive receptors activate intracellular signaling pathways, which ultimately lead to changes in gene expression and cellular function.
* **Neurotransmitters:** Specialized neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, are involved in the processing and transmission of temperature information in the nervous system.

Thermosensory behavior is essential for the survival of all living organisms, allowing them to maintain optimal body temperatures, avoid environmental extremes, and find suitable habitats. This ability is particularly important for ectotherms, such as reptiles and amphibians, who rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. In endotherms, such as mammals and birds, thermosensory behavior plays a critical role in thermoregulation and maintaining homeostasis.'
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Proteins (2)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Sodium channel protein type 11 subunit alphaA sodium channel protein type 11 subunit alpha that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:WCB, UniProtKB:Q9UI33]Homo sapiens (human)
Solute carrier family 12 member 5A solute carrier family 12 member 5 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q9H2X9]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (19)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
amiodaroneamiodarone : A member of the class of 1-benzofurans that is 1-benzofuran substituted by a butyl group at position 2 and a 4-[2-(diethylamino)ethoxy]-3,5-diiodobenzoyl group at position 3. It is a cardiovascular drug used for the treatment of cardiac dysrhythmias.

Amiodarone: An antianginal and class III antiarrhythmic drug. It increases the duration of ventricular and atrial muscle action by inhibiting POTASSIUM CHANNELS and VOLTAGE-GATED SODIUM CHANNELS. There is a resulting decrease in heart rate and in vascular resistance.
1-benzofurans;
aromatic ketone;
organoiodine compound;
tertiary amino compound
cardiovascular drug
amitriptylineamitriptyline : An organic tricyclic compound that is 10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d][7]annulene substituted by a 3-(dimethylamino)propylidene group at position 5.

Amitriptyline: Tricyclic antidepressant with anticholinergic and sedative properties. It appears to prevent the re-uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin at nerve terminals, thus potentiating the action of these neurotransmitters. Amitriptyline also appears to antagonize cholinergic and alpha-1 adrenergic responses to bioactive amines.
carbotricyclic compound;
tertiary amine
adrenergic uptake inhibitor;
antidepressant;
environmental contaminant;
tropomyosin-related kinase B receptor agonist;
xenobiotic
chlorpromazinechlorpromazine : A substituted phenothiazine in which the ring nitrogen at position 10 is attached to C-3 of an N,N-dimethylpropanamine moiety.

Chlorpromazine: The prototypical phenothiazine antipsychotic drug. Like the other drugs in this class chlorpromazine's antipsychotic actions are thought to be due to long-term adaptation by the brain to blocking DOPAMINE RECEPTORS. Chlorpromazine has several other actions and therapeutic uses, including as an antiemetic and in the treatment of intractable hiccup.
organochlorine compound;
phenothiazines;
tertiary amine
anticoronaviral agent;
antiemetic;
dopaminergic antagonist;
EC 3.4.21.26 (prolyl oligopeptidase) inhibitor;
phenothiazine antipsychotic drug
cifenlinediarylmethane
haloperidolhaloperidol : A compound composed of a central piperidine structure with hydroxy and p-chlorophenyl substituents at position 4 and an N-linked p-fluorobutyrophenone moiety.

Haloperidol: A phenyl-piperidinyl-butyrophenone that is used primarily to treat SCHIZOPHRENIA and other PSYCHOSES. It is also used in schizoaffective disorder, DELUSIONAL DISORDERS, ballism, and TOURETTE SYNDROME (a drug of choice) and occasionally as adjunctive therapy in INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY and the chorea of HUNTINGTON DISEASE. It is a potent antiemetic and is used in the treatment of intractable HICCUPS. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p279)
aromatic ketone;
hydroxypiperidine;
monochlorobenzenes;
organofluorine compound;
tertiary alcohol
antidyskinesia agent;
antiemetic;
dopaminergic antagonist;
first generation antipsychotic;
serotonergic antagonist
imipramineimipramine : A dibenzoazepine that is 5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepine substituted by a 3-(dimethylamino)propyl group at the nitrogen atom.

Imipramine: The prototypical tricyclic antidepressant. It has been used in major depression, dysthymia, bipolar depression, attention-deficit disorders, agoraphobia, and panic disorders. It has less sedative effect than some other members of this therapeutic group.
dibenzoazepineadrenergic uptake inhibitor;
antidepressant;
EC 3.4.21.26 (prolyl oligopeptidase) inhibitor
mexiletinemexiletine : An aromatic ether which is 2,6-dimethylphenyl ether of 2-aminopropan-1-ol.

Mexiletine: Antiarrhythmic agent pharmacologically similar to LIDOCAINE. It may have some anticonvulsant properties.
aromatic ether;
primary amino compound
anti-arrhythmia drug
nifedipineNifedipine: A potent vasodilator agent with calcium antagonistic action. It is a useful anti-anginal agent that also lowers blood pressure.C-nitro compound;
dihydropyridine;
methyl ester
calcium channel blocker;
human metabolite;
tocolytic agent;
vasodilator agent
nitrendipinenitrendipine : A dihydropyridine that is 1,4-dihydropyridine substituted by methyl groups at positions 2 and 6, a 3-nitrophenyl group at position 4, a ethoxycarbonyl group at position 3 and a methoxycarbonyl group at position 5. It is a calcium-channel blocker used in the treatment of hypertension.

Nitrendipine: A calcium channel blocker with marked vasodilator action. It is an effective antihypertensive agent and differs from other calcium channel blockers in that it does not reduce glomerular filtration rate and is mildly natriuretic, rather than sodium retentive.
C-nitro compound;
dicarboxylic acids and O-substituted derivatives;
diester;
dihydropyridine;
ethyl ester;
methyl ester
antihypertensive agent;
calcium channel blocker;
geroprotector;
vasodilator agent
pimozidepimozide : A member of the class of benzimidazoles that is 1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one in which one of the nitrogens is substituted by a piperidin-4-yl group, which in turn is substituted on the nitrogen by a 4,4-bis(p-fluorophenyl)butyl group.

Pimozide: A diphenylbutylpiperidine that is effective as an antipsychotic agent and as an alternative to HALOPERIDOL for the suppression of vocal and motor tics in patients with Tourette syndrome. Although the precise mechanism of action is unknown, blockade of postsynaptic dopamine receptors has been postulated. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p403)
benzimidazoles;
heteroarylpiperidine;
organofluorine compound
antidyskinesia agent;
dopaminergic antagonist;
first generation antipsychotic;
H1-receptor antagonist;
serotonergic antagonist
diltiazemdiltiazem : A 5-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzothiazepin-3-yl acetate in which both stereocentres have S configuration. A calcium-channel blocker and vasodilator, it is used as the hydrochloride in the management of angina pectoris and hypertension.

Diltiazem: A benzothiazepine derivative with vasodilating action due to its antagonism of the actions of CALCIUM ion on membrane functions.
5-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzothiazepin-3-yl acetateantihypertensive agent;
calcium channel blocker;
vasodilator agent
sertindolesertindole : A phenylindole that is 1H-indole which is substituted on the nitrogen by a p-chlorophenyl group, at position 5 by chlorine, and at position 3 by a piperidin-4-yl group, which is itself substituted on the nitrogen by a 2-(2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl)ethyl group.heteroarylpiperidine;
imidazolidinone;
organochlorine compound;
organofluorine compound;
phenylindole
alpha-adrenergic antagonist;
H1-receptor antagonist;
second generation antipsychotic;
serotonergic antagonist
mibefradilMibefradil: A benzimidazoyl-substituted tetraline that selectively binds and inhibits CALCIUM CHANNELS, T-TYPE.tetralinsT-type calcium channel blocker
tedisamiltedisamil : A member of the class of diazabicyclononanes that is (1s,5s)-3,7-diazaspiro[bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-9,1'-cyclopentane] in which the hydrogens at positions 3 and 7 are replaced by cyclopropylmethyl groups. It is a potassium channel blocker and an antiarrhythmic agent currently currently in development for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.
uk 68798aromatic ether;
sulfonamide;
tertiary amino compound
anti-arrhythmia drug;
potassium channel blocker
n-(4-methylthiazol-2-yl)-2-(6-phenylpyridazin-3-ylthio)acetamideN-(4-methylthiazol-2-yl)-2-(6-phenylpyridazin-3-ylthio)acetamide: a KCC2 cotransporter antagonistpyridazines;
ring assembly
tetrodotoxin
saxitoxinsaxitoxin : An alkaloid isolated from the marine dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning.

Saxitoxin: A compound that contains a reduced purine ring system but is not biosynthetically related to the purine alkaloids. It is a poison found in certain edible mollusks at certain times; elaborated by GONYAULAX and consumed by mollusks, fishes, etc. without ill effects. It is neurotoxic and causes RESPIRATORY PARALYSIS and other effects in MAMMALS, known as paralytic SHELLFISH poisoning.
alkaloid;
carbamate ester;
guanidines;
ketone hydrate;
paralytic shellfish toxin;
pyrrolopurine
cyanotoxin;
marine metabolite;
neurotoxin;
sodium channel blocker;
toxin
ajmaline