Thromboxane-induced α-CGRP release from peripheral neurons is an essential positive feedback loop in capsaicin-induced neurogenic inflammation

α-Calcitonin gene-related protein (α-CGRP) is synthesized by sensory nerves in the dermis and its release can cause vasodilatation and local inflammation. Its vasorelaxant effects are based on the direct activation of smooth muscle and endothelial cells as well as the activation of mast cells causing the release of vasoactive and proinflammatory mediators. Here, we show that in the capsaicin model for neurogenic inflammation capsaicin-induced edema formation is mediated by α-CGRP and mast cells but is absent in thromboxane receptor (TP)-deficient mice.