May a sigma_1 antagonist improve neuropathic signs induced by cisplatin and vincristine in rats?

Authors
N Paniagua, C Goicoechea, R Abalo

Lab
Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain.

Journal
European Journal of Pain

Abstract
Rats treated with antitumourals developed tactile allodynia, while those treated with vincristine also developed mechanical hyperalgesia. These in vivo modifications correlated with electrophysiological hyperactivity (increased spontaneous activity and hyperresponsiveness to innocuous and noxious mechanical stimulation). Animals treated with cisplatin showed gastrointestinal impairment and those receiving vincristine showed cardiovascular toxicity. A single dose of MR_309 strongly reduced both nociceptive behaviour and electrophysiological changes. Moreover, its concomitant administration with the antitumourals blocked the development of neuropathic symptoms, thus restoring mechanical sensitivity, improving the impairment of feeding behaviour and gastrointestinal transit in the cisplatin_treated group along with ameliorating the altered vascular reactivity recorded in rats treated with vincristine.

BIOSEB Instruments Used:
Electronic Von Frey 4 (BIO-EVF4),Electronic Von Frey 5 with embedded camera (BIO-EVF5)