Endovanilloids are defined as endogenous ligands of the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) protein,a nonselective cation channel that belongs to the large family of TRP ion channels,and is activated by the pungent ingredient of hot chilli peppers,capsaicin. TRPV1 is expressed in some nociceptor efferent neurons, where it acts as a molecular sensor of noxious heat and low pH. However,the presence of these channels in var-ious regions of the central nervous system,where they are not likely to be targeted by these noxious stimuli,suggests the existence of endovanilloids. Three different classes of endogenous lipids have been found recently that can activate TRPV1,
