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Mechanisms underlying the hypertensive response induced by capsaicin
Abhaya Dutta1, Shripad B Deshpande1
1Department of Physiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India.
International Journal of Cardiology
|March 13, 2010
Summary
Capsaicin from chili peppers can cause a hypertensive crisis by decreasing a key blood vessel relaxing substance. This study in rats suggests capsaicin directly affects blood vessels or activates endothelin, not other common pathways.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Acute ingestion of capsaicin, a compound in chili peppers, has been linked to hypertensive crises in humans.
- The mechanism is hypothesized to involve the depletion of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a vasodilator, from sensory nerve terminals.
- Understanding capsaicin's cardiovascular effects is crucial for managing potential toxicological events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms of capsaicin-induced hypertension in an experimental model.
- To determine the involvement of adrenergic, angiotensinergic, and cardiac pathways in capsaicin's hypertensive effects.
- To elucidate the direct vascular actions or other potential mediators of capsaicin's pressor response.
Main Methods:
- Experiments were conducted on anesthetized rats.
- The study assessed the hypertensive response following capsaicin administration.
- Specific pathways, including adrenergic and angiotensinergic systems, and cardiac function were evaluated for their role.
Main Results:
- Capsaicin administration induced a significant hypertensive response in rats.
- The results demonstrated the non-involvement of adrenergic and angiotensinergic mechanisms in this response.
- Cardiac changes were also found to be not responsible for the observed hypertension.
Conclusions:
- Capsaicin's hypertensive effect in rats is not mediated by adrenergic, angiotensinergic, or cardiac mechanisms.
- The findings suggest a direct action of capsaicin on vascular smooth muscle.
- Alternatively, the activation of endothelin is proposed as a potential mechanism for capsaicin-induced hypertension.
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