From a tiny amount of reading (and a complete lack of a biology degree…) it’s that the rodent taste buds just react differently to the capsaicin, so it doesn’t hit the sodium channels in the pain receptor ‘stack’ in the same way as it does in humans. It’s not the total lack of reaction like you get with birds or some ungulates.
…
I think.
I’m sure birds are immune as well as Steve-O, can’t say for sure of rodents.
From a tiny amount of reading (and a complete lack of a biology degree…) it’s that the rodent taste buds just react differently to the capsaicin, so it doesn’t hit the sodium channels in the pain receptor ‘stack’ in the same way as it does in humans. It’s not the total lack of reaction like you get with birds or some ungulates.
…
I think.
As a self proclaimed “marine biologist,” I can neither confirm nor deny.