In contrast to effects observed in sensory nerves-intact rats, capsaicin deactivation of sensory nerves abolished the CIP-evoked increase in plasma level of interleukin-4 in rats pretreated with saline, as well as the stimulatory effect on the release of this anti-inflammatory cytokine evoked by the combination of ghrelin plus CIP. The gene discussed is GHRL; the disease is hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy.