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Capsaicin blocks tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium potentials and calcium potentials in unmyelinated C fibres of biopsied human sural nerve in vitro

J. Großkreutz, S. Quasthoff*, M. Kühn, P. Grafe

*Corresponding author for this work

Abstract

Topical application of capsaicin has been tested recently for treatment of painful peripheral neuropathy. In the present study, effects of capsaicin were explored on compound action potentials of isolated fascicles from human sural nerve biopsies. Capsaicin reduced the C fibre component by 30-60%; the remaining C fibres were not sensitive to the drug. A good correlation was found between the sensitivity of C fibres to capsaicin and their resistance to tetrodotoxin (TTX), i.e. C fibre action potentials recorded in the presence of TTX were completely blocked by capsaicin. Calcium action potentials seen after inhibition of axonal potassium conductances were also completely suppressed. The data indicate that application of capsaicin nearby human peripheral nerves might prevent action potential conduction in specific subtypes of C fibres.

Original languageEnglish
JournalNeuroscience Letters
Volume208
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)49-52
Number of pages4
ISSN0304-3940
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12.04.1996
Externally publishedYes

Funding

This work was supported by grants given by the Wilhelm Sander Stiftung (J.G., S.Q., M.K.) and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 220/TP B 1, P.G.).

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Research Areas and Centers

  • Centers: Center for Neuromuscular Diseases

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