EFFECT OF CAPSAICIN ON THE NERVE ELEMENTS OF THE SMALL-INTESTINE

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 30  (1) , 57-63
Abstract
The effect of capsaicin treatment on the nerve elements of the small intestine was investigated in newborn cats. Degeneration of numerous nerve processes was observed after capsaicin treatment. Some of these nerve fibers were found in pre- and in postsynaptic situation. A few cell somata were severely damaged after capsaicin treatment. No such degeneration was observed in the control animals. On the basis of the capsaicin effect, some of the degenerated nerve terminals might be responsible for the intrinsic sensory innervation of the small intestine.