Electrophysiological studies of taxol-induced neuropathy in rats

Abstract

Taxol (Paclitaxel), a widely used antineoplastic agent, is known to produce a dose-related, predominantly sensory neuropathy in human, but so far no effective treatment is available. To assess effective treatment of taxol neuropathy, an appropriate experimental animal model as well as electrophysiological characterization of taxol-induced neuropathy is essential. We undertook serial limb and tail nerve conduction studies of rats treated with taxol (6-12mg/kg) at 2 week intervals for 12 weeks. Motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities and action potential amplitudes of tibial nerves were reduced, which was similar to the taxol neuropathy in human. Moreover, through this experimental study, we have found that 5 times dilution of taxol preparation solution before intravenous injection almost got rid of the lethal side effects of taxol treatment. Consequently, this animal model is expected to provide an effective way to evaluate the experimental taxol-induced neuropathy.