Evidence for a novel protective role of the vanilloid TRPV1 receptor in a cutaneous contact allergic dermatitis model

The purpose of this study was to examine the involvement of the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) in inflammatory processes observed in murine allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Oxazolone-induced ACD evoked a significant ear swelling after 24-72 h. It was augmented in TRPV1 knockout mice at all time points and supported by histological analysis and measure of TNF-α. However, tissue swelling and cytokine generation was significantly reduced in both neurokinin 1 receptor and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) knockout mice. A protective involvement of the TRPV1 receptor was identified of contact dermatitis distinct from mechanisms involving the major pro-inflammatory neuropeptides.