When scientists block the TRPM2 sensor, the chemical that normally warms up the mice no longer works — the body temperature stays the same.
Scientific Claim
The TRPM2 antagonist clotrimazole blocks ADPR-induced increases in POMC neuron activity, BAT temperature, and core body temperature in mice, indicating that TRPM2 activity is necessary for these thermogenic responses.
Original Statement
“Blockade of TRPM2 by CTM cotreatment with ADPR abolished ADPR upregulation of BAT and core body temperature. ... CTM pretreatment suppressed the increase in c-Fos caused by ADPR.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
definitive
Can make definitive causal claims
Assessment Explanation
The study used a pharmacological blocker to test necessity. The consistent reversal of effects supports a necessary role for TRPM2, and the claim correctly reports observed outcomes without overextending to mechanism.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
The potential role of hypothalamic POMCTRPM2 in interscapular BAT thermogenesis
The study found that blocking a specific protein (TRPM2) in brain cells stops the body from warming up when a certain chemical (ADPR) is given, proving that this protein is needed for the body to generate heat.