Sanshool is a natural compound found in sichuan pepper, which is commonly used in making spicy asian food, and creates a numbing sensation in the mouth. it is known to inhibit a subset of potassium leak channels involved in maintaining the resting membrane potential in sensory neurons. how do you think sanshool affects these sensory neurons?
a. it elevates the resting potential (to less negative values) and makes it easier to excite the neuron.
b. it elevates the resting potential and makes it harder to excite the neuron.
c. it lowers the resting potential and makes it easier to excite the neuron.
d. it lowers the resting potential and makes it harder to excite the neuron.
e. it causes hyperpolarization and decreases the spontaneous firing of the neuron.