Response of Topical Capsaicin in Alopecia Areata
Summary
It has been postulated that Alopecia Areata (AA) is, at least in part, a neurologically mediated disease. Research supporting this theory includes the finding that nerves surrounding the hair follicles are collapsed. We want to take this research a step further and show that not only are these perifollicular nerves collapsed, but that their function is also impaired.
Description
To assess the function of perifollicular scalp nerves in AA we will look at the response of these nerves to the topical medication capsaicin. Under normal circumstances topical capsaicin is known to target nerves in the peripheral nervous system causing short-term release of the neuropeptide Substance P (SP) as well as long-term transient depletion of SP. We expect the AA patients will respond abnormally to topical capsaicin treatment.
Study Design
Allocation: Non-Randomized, Control: Uncontrolled, Endpoint Classification: Pharmacokinetics Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Diagnostic
Conditions
Alopecia Areata
Intervention
Capsaicin
Location
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis
Minnesota
United States
55455
Status
Completed
Source
University of Minnesota - Clinical and Translational Science Institute
Results (where available)
Links
- Source: http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00176969
- Information obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov on July 15, 2010
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Alopecia Areata
A microscopically inflammatory, usually reversible, patchy hair loss occurring in sharply defined areas and usually involving the beard or scalp. (Dorland, 27th ed)
Capsaicin
An alkylamide found in CAPSICUM that acts at TRPV CATION CHANNELS.
Alopecia
Absence of hair from areas where it is normally present.
Nad(p)h Dehydrogenase (quinone)
A flavoprotein that reversibly catalyzes the oxidation of NADH or NADPH by various quinones and oxidation-reduction dyes. The enzyme is inhibited by dicoumarol, capsaicin, and caffeine.
Capsicum
A plant genus of the family SOLANACEAE. The hot peppers yield CAPSAICIN, which activates vanilloid receptors. Several varieties have sweet or pungent edible fruits that are used as vegetables when fresh and spices when the pods are dried.
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