Capsaicin-induced neurogenic inflammation in pig skin: a behavioural study

Topical capsaicin is a well-established model of experimental hyperalgesia. Its application to the study of animals has been limited to few species. The effect of topical capsaicin on hyperalgesia in porcine skin was evaluated as part of a study of inflammatory pain in the pig. Two experiments were carried out on pigs of 27 ± 5 kg (n = 8) and 57 ± 3 kg (n = 16). Thermal and mechanical noxious stimuli were provided (CO2 laser and Pressure Application Measurement device) to assess avoidance behaviours. Capsaicin induced significant thermal hyperalgesia in the smaller pigs (P < 0.05), while no mechanical hyperalgesia was observed in either animal group. The present model of topical capsaicin application may be useful to investigate the mechanisms of primary hyperalgesia in this species, although some experimental conditions, such as the administration route and cutaneous morphology, need to be evaluated.