Effects of Oxaliplatin and Cisplatin on Peripheral Nerve Excitability and Conduction

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines and compares the level of neurotoxicity of oxaliplatin and cisplatin in terms of excitability and conduction parameters over rats' caudal and sciatic nerves.

Methods: Twenty-seven Wistar rats were divided into three groups labeled as oxaliplatin (OXA), cisplatin (CIS) and control (CON). OXA and CIS groups were administered oxaliplatin (8 mg/kg/week, i.p) and cisplatin (4 mg/kg/week, i.p) respectively, for a 4.5 week follow-up period. Shortly after, threshold tracking recordings from tail caudal nerve and compound action potential recordings from isolated sciatic nerve were performed, in order to obtain the corresponding excitability and conduction parameters.

Results: Cisplatin is found more neurotoxic than oxaliplatin with regards to nerve excitability and conduction. Cisplatin is more effective on fibers having small radius (slowly conducting). The partial blockade of Na+ channels (mostly persistent) and an increment in the activity of inward rectifier K+ conductance due to cisplatin are noteworthy.

Conclusions: In terms of neurotoxicity, oxaliplatin may be more preferable compared to cisplatin clinically.