1. The secretion of nasal fluid was studied in anaesthetized rats after topical application of capsaicin, and of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) alone or CGRP in combination with substance P (SP). The flow of nasal fluid was stimulated and the secretions collected by a filter paper technique. The concentrations of SP and CGRP in nasal biopsies were determined after topical or systemic administration of capsaicin. 2. Capsaicin (single dose administration) stimulated nasal secretion in a dose-dependent manner. The effect was inhibited by hexamethonium, lignocaine, or by the tachykinin antagonist (D-Pro2, D-Trp7, 9)-SP, but not by atropine, or by a combination of the histamine H1-receptor antagonist chlorpheniramine and the H2-receptor antagonist ranitidine. 3. When applied cumulatively, capsaicin rapidly produced desensitization. The concentrations of SP and CGRP in the nasal mucosa were reduced by capsaicin 6 days after topical or sc administration but not 15 min after topical application of desensitizing doses. 4. CGRP did not stimulate the secretion of nasal fluid and did not alter SP-evoked nasal secretion. 5. The inhibition by hexamethonium of the capsaicin-evoked nasal secretion suggests the involvement of ganglionic reflexes. In addition, the inhibition of the response to capsaicin by (D-Pro2, D-Trp7, 9)-SP and lidocaine and the depletion of SP and CGRP after capsaicin indicate the involvement of tachykinin-mediated axon reflexes.