Effect of capsaicin on neurites of cultured dorsal root ganglia and isolated neurons of chick embryos.

The effects of capsaicin on neurites of cultured chick lumbar dorsal root ganglia and their isolated single neurons were investigated. Capsaicin-treated neurites showed a disappearance of their tips, dumpling-like structures, and retardation as a result of degeneration. However, some of the retarded neurites showed a reextension. By electron microscopy the degeneration appeared similar to that caused by beta,beta'-iminodipropionitrile with respect to segregation of the cytoskeleton. This finding provides support for the idea that capsaicin inhibits axonal transport.