A new way to lower blood pressure: pass the chili peppers please!
Activation of TRPV1 channels in sensory nerves by capsaicin promotes neuropeptide release, leading to the perception of pain and inflammation. In this issue, Yang et al. (2010) demonstrate that vascular TRPV1 mediates a beneficial effect of capsaicin in the cardiovascular system, promoting nitric oxide release and lowering blood pressure.
Sessa
William C
WC
Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. william.sessa@yale.edu