Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The effect of capsaicin application on mast cells in normal human skin

  • Histamine and Clinical Studies
  • Published:
Agents and Actions Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Peptides released from sensory nerves during an axon reflex are thought to cause mast cell degranulation, histamine (Hi) release and Hi-induced vasodilatation leading to the flare of the triple response. Capsaicin stimulates peptide release from sensory neurones and causes flarein vivo but does not cause Hi release from mast cellsin vitro. The effects of capsaicin on mast cell degranulation in human skinin vivo has been studied by histological examination of skin biopsies after topical capsaicin (1%) treatment of stratum corneum-denuded forearm in four volunteers. The results show a significant reduction in the visible numbers of mast cells and the appearance of degranulated mast cell ghosts in the skin six hours after capsaicin application. Since capsaicin itself does not release Hi from mast cells, these data suggest that capsaicin-induced release of peptides from neurones could cause mast cell degranulation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. J. C. Foreman, C. C. Jordan, P. Oehme and H. Renner,Structure-activity relationships for some substance P-related peptides that cause weal and flare reaction in human skin. J. Physiol.335, 449–465 (1983).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. J. C. Foreman and C. C. Jordan,Neurogenic inflammation Trends in Pharmacol. Sci.5, 116–119 (1984).

    Google Scholar 

  3. J. C. Foreman,Neuropeptides and the pathogenesis of allergy Allergy42, 1–11 (1987).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. P. J. Barnes, M. Brown, C. Dollery, R. W. Fuller, D. J. Heavey and P. W. Ind,Histamine is released from skin by substance P but does not act as the final vasodilator in the axon reflex. Br. J. Pharmacol.88, 741–745 (1986).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. J. C. Foreman,Interaction between neuropeptides and classical mediators of allergy. InProgress in allergy and clinical immunology. pp. 82–85 (Eds. W. J. Pichler, B. M. Stadtler, C. A. Dahnden, A. R. Pécond, P. Frei, C. H. Schneider and A. L. de Weck). Hogrefe and Huber, Toronto 1989.

    Google Scholar 

  6. S. D. Brain, D. C. Crossman, T. L. Buckley and T. J. Williams,Endothelin-1: Demonstration of potent effects on the microcirculation of humans and other species. J. Cardiovasc. Res.13, (Suppl. 5), 5147–5149 (1989).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, The Middlesex Hospital, Mortimer St., W1N 8AA, London, UK

    C. B. Bunker, H. A. Bull, J. Evans & P. M. Dowd

  2. Department of Pharmacology, University College and Middlesex School of Medicine, University College Gower St., WC1E 6BT, London, UK

    J. C. Foreman

  3. St. John's Dermatology Centre, St. Thomas' Hospital, SE1 7EH, London, UK

    R. Cerio

Authors
  1. C. B. Bunker
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. R. Cerio
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. H. A. Bull
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. J. Evans
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. P. M. Dowd
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. J. C. Foreman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bunker, C.B., Cerio, R., Bull, H.A. et al. The effect of capsaicin application on mast cells in normal human skin. Agents and Actions 33, 195–196 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01993165

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01993165

Keywords

Search

Navigation