THERMAL PHYSIOLOGY

The axolotl is very sensitive to heat. It has been observed that even a mild temperature of 33 degrees Celsius elicits discomfort in the axolotl. This is due the receptor encoded by the TRPV1 gene. TRPV1 provides a sensation of pain in response to heat. The negative response expressed by the axolotl towards the mild heat shows that the thermal activation threshold of its TRPV1 gene is uniquely low.