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Two recently identified transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, TRPM8 and TRPA1, have been proposed to play an important role in mammalian cool and cold peripheral sensory transduction. When expressed in cell-lines the cloned TRPM8 and TRPA1 receptors have distinct pharmacological and temperature response characteristics. Although these receptors are also transported to the central terminals of primary afferents, little is known about their centrally mediated actions. In this thesis an in vitro electrophysiological approach is used to investigate the dorsal horn processing of cool afferent modalities and the role of TRP ion channels. The results of this thesis provide further information on thermal processing, indicate direction for further research and suggest possible therapeutic targets for the management of abnormal cold sensory processing.

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MBBS, MM, PhD, FANZCA, FFPMANZCA has received numerous awards for research and clinical practice in Pain Medicine. He has senior clinical, teaching and research appointments at the Pain Management Research Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney and the Pain Management Research Institute, University of Sydney.

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