Fig. 3

Pro-inflammatory cytokines were decreased, anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 was increased after oral capsaicin treatment. Rats were daily force fed with capsaicin or rapeseed oil from day − 10 p.i. to day 16 p.i. (at expected disease maximum), sciatic nerves were isolated and RT-PCR was performed for different cytokines. Pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFa and INFg were decreased (a), anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 was increased (b). Expression of IL-10 was not significant changed. Mean values and SD were depicted (*p < 0.05, ****p < 0.0001; n = 45, n = 15/group, pooled data from three independent experiments)