Abstract
The importance of peptidergic nerve fibres for the regulation of whole pancreatic and islet blood flow was studied by administration of the neurotoxin capsaicin. Administration of capsaicin induces an acute release and depletion of mainly substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide from sensory nerve fibres. When given repeatedly to adult rats for several days, the neuropeptides are irreversibly depleted from the nerve endings. Depletion of substance P was confirmed by immunohistochemical stainings in the present study. A bolus dose of capsaicin (4 μg/kg body weight) reduced both whole pancreatic and islet blood flow in anesthetized rats, whereas repeated treatment with capsaicin led to an increase in both pancreatic and islet blood flow. In vitro experiments on isolated islets exposed to capsaicin (0.25 and 2.5 μM) for 4 days showed no effect on β-cell function. We conclude that peptidergic nerves have an important role for the maintenance of basal vascular tone in both the endocrine and exocrine parts of the pancreas, and may thereby influence the regulation of insulin secretion in rats.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
