It is now well established that afferent neurones innervating the intestine subserve “effector” as well as sensory functions. The release of neuromodulators from the peripheral nerve terminals of extrinsic afferents has been shown to play a role in the regulation of blood flow and secretory and motor functions of the gastrointestinal tract.1 In animals (but not in humans) most of the extrinsic spinal sensory neurones express calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) or substance P, or both.2 The role of afferent neurones and these neuropeptides in the regulation of gastric mucosal integrity has received much attention. Experimental injury in the rat stomach induced by pyloric ligation or injurious factors, such as hydrochloric acid, taurocholate, aspirin, and ethanol, is reduced by stimulation of extrinsic afferent nerve terminals by intragastric administration of capsaicin prior …