Beneficial effect of capsaicin via TRPV4/EDH signals on mesenteric arterioles of normal and colitis mice

Abstract Introduction Although capsaicin has long been used as food additive and medication worldwide, its actions on gastrointestinal tract as its most delivery pathway have not been well addressed. Objectives In the present study, we aimed to study GI actions of capsaicin on mesenteric arterioles in normal and colitis mice and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods Vasorelaxation of human submucosal arterioles and the mesenteric arterioles from wide-type (WT) mice, TRPV1-/- and TRPV4-/- (KO) mice were measured. The expression and function of TRPV channels in endothelial cells were examined by q-PCR, immunostaining, Ca2+ imaging and membrane potential measurements. Results Capsaicin dose-dependently induced vasorelaxation of human submucosal arterioles and mouse mesenteric arterioles in vitro and in vivo through endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH), nitric oxide (NO), and prostacyclin (PGI2). Using TRPV1 and TRPV4 KO mice, we found that capsaicin-induced vasorelaxation was predominately through TRPV4/EDH, but marginally through TRPV1/NO/PGI2. Capsaicin induced hyperpolarization through activation of endothelial TRPV4 channels and intermediate-conductance of Ca2+-activated K+ channels to finally stimulate vasorelaxation. Importantly, capsaicin exerted anti-colitis action by rescuing the impaired ACh-induced vasorelaxation in WT colitis mice but not in TRPV4 KO colitis mice. Conclusions Capsaicin increases intestinal mucosal blood perfusion to potentially prevent/treat colitis through a novel TRPV4/EDH-dependent vasorelaxation of submucosal arterioles in health and colitis. This study further supports our previous notion that TRPV4/EDH in mesenteric circulation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of colitis.