Effects of capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce suspension on esophageal secondary peristalsis in humans.
BACKGROUND
Capsaicin-sensitive afferents have been implicated in the modulation of gastrointestinal sensorimotor functions. Secondary peristalsis is important for the clearance of retained refluxate or material from the esophagus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce suspension on esophageal secondary peristalsis in healthy adults.


METHODS
After a baseline recording of esophageal motility, secondary peristalsis was generated by slow and rapid mid-esophageal injections of air in 10 healthy subjects. Two separate sessions with saline and capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce were randomly performed to test their effects on esophageal secondary peristalsis.


RESULTS
Infusion of capsaicin significantly increased pressure wave amplitude during rapid (P = 0.002) and slow air infusions (P = 0.01). After capsaicin, the threshold volume to generate secondary peristalsis was significantly decreased during rapid (P < 0.05) and slow air infusions (P = 0.02). Infusion of saline did not affect any parameters of secondary peristalsis during rapid or slow air infusion. The administration of capsaicin was accompanied by the occurrence of heartburn in all subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
The acute administration of capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce suspension enhances sensitivity to distension-induced secondary peristalsis and facilitates secondary peristaltic contractility. These data suggest the involvement of capsaicin-sensitive afferents in the modulation of esophageal distension-induced secondary peristalsis in humans.
Chen
C L
CL
Department of Medicine, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan. harry.clchen@msa.hinet.net
Liu
T T
TT
Yi
C H
CH
Orr
W C
WC
D000328:Adult; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000187:drug effects; D004947:Esophagus / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010528:Peristalsis / Q000187:drug effects*; D013535:Suspensions; D055815:Young Adult
D013535:Suspensions; D002211:Capsaicin