Our work focused on the studies on the expression and function of transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) in the submandibular gland. By using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, and immunofluorescence, our data demonstrated the expression and distribution characteristics of TRPV1 in rabbit and human submandibular glands, as well as rat submandibular gland cell line SMG-C6. Furthermore, the possible intracellular signal molecules involved in the TRPV1-modulated saliva secretion were explored. Activation of TRPV1 increased the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, upregulated the expression of aquaporin 5 (AQP5), the main transporter that mediate water secretion through transcellular pathway, and led to AQP5 redistribution. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) was involved in the TRPV1-regulated AQP5 content. Besides, TRPV1 activation also modulated the expression, distribution, and function of tight junction protein, and increased paracellular permeability. ERK1/2 and myosin light chain 2 (MLC2) were responsible for the regulation of TRPV1on tight junction properties. Taken together, our work suggested that TRPV1 was a potential target to promote saliva secretion, and activation of TRPV1 might provide a new and safe therapeutic strategy to ameliorate submandibular gland hypofunction.