Icilin (I got the wet dog shakes..) : Molecule of the Day

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Icilin (I got the wet dog shakes..)

Category: Drugs
Posted on: May 25, 2007 5:14 PM, by Molecule of the Day

From medicated powder to cigarettes, it's no secret that small molecule ligands can induce a cold sensation. Usually, this means menthol. However, like any protein ligand, non-natural small molecules can stand in.

InChI=1/C16H13N3O4/c20-15-8-4-3-7-14(15)18-10-9-12(17-16(18)21)11-5-1-2-6-13(11)19(22)23/h1-9,20H,10H2,(H,17,21)

Icilin has an enhanced affinity for receptors to which menthol binds:

Icilin induces sensations of intense cold when applied orally in humans, and induces 'wet dog shakes', a behavioral marker of cold sensation, when given to rats.

Icilin: 2.5X more effective than the leading thermosensory agonist at causing wet dog shakes!

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Comments

Where do you find all these amazing molecules?

I've been following this blog for some months now, and although not a chemist I find it fascinating the array of molecules humans have synthesized for any conceivable purpose.

Posted by: jett | May 26, 2007 5:24 PM

How does Icilin compare to Menthol as far as Toxicity? I know menthol is relativly safe, but what about icilin?

Posted by: joeylawn | May 29, 2007 1:27 AM

http://www.nature.com/news/2007/070528/full/070528-5.html

Posted by: Uncle Al | May 30, 2007 4:29 PM