High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! TRPV (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid) is a family of transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels. These channels are selective for calcium and magnesium over sodium ions. Like other members of the TRP superfamily, TRPV channels can be activated through seemingly disparate mechanisms. In vertebrates, several members of the family are sensitive to elevated temperature, making them thermoTRPs.