Asked by cici

What is the mechanism of action of melastatin 8 (TRPM8) agonists in DED therapy?
A. Blocking calcineurin to reduce T-cell activation
B. Antagonizing LFA-1 to prevent inflammatory cytokine release
C. Stabilizing the lipid layer to reduce tear evaporation
D. Stimulating cold-sensing corneal receptors to enhance tear production

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
D. Stimulating cold-sensing corneal receptors to enhance tear production.

TRPM8 (melastatin 8) are cold-sensitive ion channels on corneal sensory nerves. Agonists activate these channels, depolarizing the nerves and increasing afferent signaling to the lacrimal functional unit, which enhances basal/reflex tear secretion and relieves dry eye symptoms. (Options A, B and C describe mechanisms of other dry-eye treatments.)