Dose-dependent reversal effects of Capsaicin on Interleukin-1α production is associated with the metabolism of arachidonic acid (leukotriene B4 and prostaglandin E2) as well as nitric oxide production in human leukocytes

Abstract

This study attempts to determine the dose-dependent effects of capsaicin, the pungent principle of red hot pepper, on the early intracellular events after the binding of capsaicin to immunocompetent cells. It shows that capsaicin stimulates the release of AA as well as PGE(2) and LTB(4). At high doses capsaicin activates NO-production in human lymphocytes. At low concentrations (10(-8) to 10(-5) M) it increases the IL-1α-production from human lymphocytes, whereas at concentrations of 10(-4) M this production is inhibited. The possible mechanisms of action of the various pharmacological effects of capsaicin are discussed.