Circulating nerve growth factor level changes during oxaliplatin treatment-induced neurotoxicity in the rat
Cavaletti, G.; Petruccioli, M.G.; Marmiroli, P.; Rigolio, R.; Galbiati, S.; Zoia, C.; Ferrarese, C.; Tagliabue, E.; Dolci, C.; Bayssas, M.; Griffon Etienne, G.; Tredici, G.
Anticancer Research 22(6c): 4199-4204
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-7005 PMID: 12553056 Document Number: 549968
Oxaliplatin neurotoxicity represents a clinically-relevant problem and its etio-pathogenesis is still unknown. We explored the possible role of some neuronal growth factors ("neurotrophins") during the course of oxaliplatin sensory neuronopathy. In our rat model two different doses of oxaliplatin were used (2 and 3 mg/kg i.v. twice weekly for 9 times). The neurotoxicity of the treatment was assessed with neurophysiological and pathological methods and serum neurotrophin levels were measured by ELISA. Both oxaliplatin-treated groups showed the neurophysiological and neuropathological changes which mimic the chronic effects of oxaliplatin administration in humans, e.g. reversible sensory impairment due to dorsal root ganglia neuron damage. These changes were associated with a significant and dose-dependent reduction only in the circulating level of nerve growth factor (NGF), which returned to normal values after neurophysiological and pathological recovery. This specific association between neurological impairment and NGF modulation indicates that NGF impairment has a role in the neurotoxicity of oxaliplatin.