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Effects of capsaicin on central monoaminergic mechanisms in the rat

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Summary

The acute and chronic effects of capsaicin (s.c.) on the monoamines in the preoptic region + hypothalamus (RPO-H), spinal cord, substantia nigra and striatum were studied. Levels of DOPA, DA, DOPAC, HVA, 3-MT, NA, Trp, 5-HTP, 5-HT and 5-HIAA were determined by means of liquid chromatography (HPLC-EC). In response to acute capsaicin treatment, the levels of DA, DOPAC and DA synthesis rate (DOPA formation) were increased in a dose-dependent manner in the RPO-H and spinal cord. The disappearance rate of NA was accelerated in both regions. In substantia nigra, increased DOPAC levels were found whereas the levels of 3-MT were decreased in striatum after acute capsaicin treatment. Only minor changes on the levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in the regions studied were noted. Neonatal or adult capsaicin treatment failed to affect the levels of NA, DA and 5-HT (measured two months or five weeks after injection, respectively) in the regions studied. A capsaicin injection to rats pretreated with the drug as adults did not affect either the monoamines in the RPO-H and spinal cord or the body temperature. In contrast, in rats pretreated with capsaicin as neonates, a second injection of the drug to adult animals elicited hypothermia and changes in monoamines similar to those observed in naive animals.

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  1. M. Hajós

    Present address: Department of Pharmacology, University of Göteborg, Sweden

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology, University of Göteborg, Sweden

    K. Svensson, H. Nissbrandt & A. Carlsson

  2. Department of Physiology, University Medical School, Szeged, Hungary

    F. Obál Jr.

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  1. M. Hajós
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  2. K. Svensson
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  3. H. Nissbrandt
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  4. F. Obál Jr.
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  5. A. Carlsson
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Hajós, M., Svensson, K., Nissbrandt, H. et al. Effects of capsaicin on central monoaminergic mechanisms in the rat. J. Neural Transmission 66, 221–242 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01260916

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01260916

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