Reversibility of microtubule inhibitor-induced transganglionic degenerative atrophy of central terminals of primary nociceptive neurons.
Microtubule inhibitor Vinca alkaloids applied around a peripheral nerve induce transganglionic degenerative atrophy of the central terminals of primary nociceptive neurons. This effect is reversible: 40-50 days later the original histochemical structure of the central terminals is restored. Restoration of fluoride-resistant acid phosphatase activity (the marker enzyme of primary nociceptive neurons) in the Rolando substance is due to regenerative sprouting of the formerly atrophied central terminals. Since peripherally-applied Vinca alkaloids induce transganglionic degenerative atrophy of the central terminals without inducing Wallerian degeneration of the peripheral nerve, and since this effect (virtually a synaptic uncoupling) is only temporary, this approach may be used in the treatment of otherwise intractable neuralgias without inducing irreparable alterations.
D000135:Acid Phosphatase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001284:Atrophy; D001370:Axonal Transport / Q000187:drug effects; D001369:Axons / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005459:Fluorides / Q000494:pharmacology; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000187:drug effects*; D007395:Interneurons / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008870:Microtubules / Q000187:drug effects*; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000187:drug effects*; D051381:Rats; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000187:drug effects*; D014747:Vinblastine / Q000494:pharmacology; D014748:Vinca Alkaloids / Q000494:pharmacology; D014750:Vincristine / Q000494:pharmacology
D014748:Vinca Alkaloids; C002067:leurosine; D014750:Vincristine; D014747:Vinblastine; D000135:Acid Phosphatase; D005459:Fluorides