Capsaicin-induced inhibition of axoplasmic transport is prevented by nerve growth factor

Capsaicin injected into the scrotal skin of rats was observed to induce a decrease in the amount of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) transported in the pudendal nerve to the sixth lumbar dorsal root ganglion on the pretreated side. This was seen as a decrease in the number of HRP-labelled neurones compared to the control side. A morphometric study confirmed that the effect of capsaicin was exerted predominantly on the small neurones. Injection of nerve growth factor (NGF) into the pudendal nerve prevented the deleterious effects of capsaicin, thereby suggesting a possible site of action and mechanism for the effect of capsaicin on peripheral nerves.