Reflex hypertensive response induced by capsaicin involves endothelin-dependent mechanisms

Capsaicin, a nociceptive agent produces triphasic pressure response in rats. The mechanisms underlying capsaicin-induced pressure responses are not clear. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the mechanisms involved in capsaicin - induced pressure responses. The trachea, jugular vein and femoral artery were cannulated in anaesthetized rats. Capsaicin (10 µg/kg; i.v) - induced reflex changes in the blood pressure, respiratory excursions and ECG were recorded before/after vagotomy in the absence/presence of antagonists. Capsaicin produced the triphasic pressure response characterized by immediate fall, recovery (intermediate phase) and delayed progressive fall. After vagotomy, the immediate hypotension was abolished and the intermediate pressure response was potentiated as a hypertensive response while the delayed hypotensive response persisted. The time-matched heart rate changes (bradycardia) and respiratory changes (tachypnea in delayed phase) were abolished after vagotomy. Pretreatment with endothelin receptor antagonist (bosentan; 10 mg/kg) blocked the capsiaicn-induced intermediate hypertensive response in vagotomised animals but not the delayed hypotension. Pretreatment with nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor (L-NAME; 30 pg/kg), prostaglandin synthase inhibitor (indomethacin; 10 mg/kg) and kinin synthase inhibitor (aprotinin; 6000 KIU) did not block the delayed hypotensive response. These results demonstrate that capsaicin-induced intermediate hypertensive response involves endothelin-dependent mechanisms and the delayed hypotensive response is independent of nitrergic, prostaglandinergic or kininergic mechanisms.