Fig. 2

Capsaicin treatment reduced inflammatory infiltrates of T-cells and macrophages as well as demyelination in sciatic nerves of EAN rats. Rats were daily force fed with capsaicin or vehicle from day − 10 p.i. to day 16 p.i. (at expected disease maximum), sciatic nerves were isolated, and stained for CD3⁺ cells (a) and CD68⁺ cells (macrophages) (b). Representative photos of sciatic nerves in transverse sections of control animals and 50 μg/d capsaicin-treated animals. Scale bars indicate 100 μm. Mean numbers of T-cells per square milimeter sciatic nerve sections and mean numbers of macrophages (CD68⁺) per square milimeter sciatic nerve sections as calculated by immunohistochemistry on day 16 p.i. from EAN rats receiving capsaicin orally at different doses (50 and 500 μg/d) and control rats are shown in diagram placed in front of the images. Mean values and SD are depicted (**p < 0.005, ****p < 0.0001) (n = 10/group, data from two independent experiments). Fluoromyelin staining (c) shows reduction of demyelinated area. Mean values and SD were depicted (**p < 0.005, n = 8/group, data from two independent experiments ANOVA Kruskal–Wallis test). Scale bars indicate 100 μm, lower row 400 × 400 μm