homovanillic acid and VR1

[BilZ0r]

Follow my logic.

Homovanillic acid (HVA) a common metabolite of dopamine and oter 
catecholamines.

The vanilloid receptor 1 (VR1) or capcaicin receptor, it mediates 
apoptosis in some cases.

Esters of homovanillic acid can be potent VR1 receptor agonists
 
3-Acyloxy-2-phenalkylpropyl amides and esters of homovanillic acid as 
novel vanilloid receptor agonists.
Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 1999 Oct 18;9(20):2909-14. 

Could it not be possible that HVA has agonistic properties on the VR1 
receptor? I mean, look at the two molecules, apart from the hyrdophic 
chain, HVA and capcaicin look very similar in regards to charge 
distribution. Might explain why dopaminergic neurons are always so damn 
sensitive.

I don't know, just the musing of an undergraduate.