EFFECT OF DENERVATION ON THE NEUROGENIC INFLAMMATION OF THE RAT MANDIBULAR MUCOSA

Effects of local exposure to capsaicin on the vascular permeability and blood flow were studied in the rat oral mucosa at days 2 and 14 after the unilateral transection of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). The distribution of nerve fibers displaying substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) immuno-reactivity (IR) in the mandibular mucosa was also assessed. While the capsaicin-induced augmentation in vascular permeability was about 50% (P < 0.05) higher on the intact side (at both days 2 and 14) than on the denervated side, no difference in blood flow elevation was seen between the two sides. Transection of IAN caused only a slight reduction in the density of SP- and CGRP-IR fibers in the mucosa. It is concluded that in addition to the IAN fibers the mandibular mucosa examined also seems to be supplied by other sensory fibers. The presence of accessory trigeminal branches was also supported by immuno-histochemical studies.