Substance P and capsaicin release prostaglandin E2 from rat intrapulmonary bronchi

Research was conducted to examine the hypothesis that substance P and capsaicin would cause the release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) from isolated airway segments. The effects of C-fiber desensitization, neurokinin (NK1)-receptor antagonism, cyclooxygenase inhibition and epithelium removal on release of the PG by substance P and by activation of the sensory nerve inhibitory system were investigated. Results indicate that activation of NK1 receptors on epithelium causes release of PGE2.