Pepper with and without a sting: Brain processing of intranasal trigeminal and olfactory stimuli from the same source

Humans have distinct and overlapping brain regions for the processing of intranasal olfactory or trigeminal stimuli. It may be assumed that trigeminal stimulants and “trigeminal-free” odorous stimuli from the same source are processed differently in the human brain. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), this study investigated the question whether the black pepper (Piper nigrum) derived trigeminal active compound piperine and the trigeminal-free pepper essential oil (pepperEO) are processed in relation to their degree of trigeminal stimulation. Twenty-one young healthy adults underwent a fMRI scan where piperine and pepperEO were delivered orthonasally using an olfactometer. Ratings for intensity, irritability, and pleasantness of each stimulus were obtained at the end of the scanning session. Results showed brain activation of the trigeminal network in response to piperine, and olfactory-related areas in response to pepperEO. PepperEO induced larger activations in the trigeminal network as compared to piperine. This was possibly due to the associative learning for the pungent sensations of pepperEO. In addition, conjunction analyses showed that the secondary somatosensory area, insula, and thalamus were involved in the processing of both piperine and pepperEO. In conclusion, the results strongly suggest that the cerebral representations of trigeminal irritants can be evoked by learned associations.