Capsaicin-induced activation of erythrocyte membrane sodium/potassium and calcium adenosine triphosphatases.
Capsaicin is the pungent ingredient present in hot peppers of the genus Capsicum. Capsaicin's effect on sensory neurons has been well studied; however, its effect on non-neuronal cells is still not fully understood. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of capsaicin on erythrocyte membrane enzymes: Na+/K(+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-ATPase. Treatment with capsaicin (0.01-100 microM) caused a transient increase in the activities of both enzymes; the effect declined at lower concentrations of capsaicin, and no significant effect was observed at 0.01 microM capsaicin. The effect of capsaicin was fast with a significant (p<0.01) activation of enzyme activity observed within minutes of incubation. The findings on the effect of capsaicin on human erythrocyte membrane enzymes Na+/K(+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-ATPase signify the importance of the non-neuronal effects of capsaicin, and the need for evaluating the physiological impact of high capsaicin (capsicum) consumption in some regions of the world.
Rizvi
Syed Ibrahim
SI
Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad-211002, India.
Luqman
Suaib
S
D001565:Benzoates / Q000494:pharmacology; D000252:Calcium-Transporting ATPases / Q000378:metabolism*; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004789:Enzyme Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology*; D006801:Humans; D010080:Oxazoles / Q000494:pharmacology; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / Q000378:metabolism*
D001565:Benzoates; D010080:Oxazoles; C108689:capsazocaine; D000252:Calcium-Transporting ATPases; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase; D002211:Capsaicin