Journal of neuropathology and experimental neurology
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J. Neuropathol. Exp. Neurol. · Jul 2000
Pathogenesis of axonal degeneration: parallels between Wallerian degeneration and vincristine neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathies and Wallerian degeneration share a number of pathological features; the most prominent of which is axonal degeneration. We asked whether common pathophysiologic mechanisms are involved in these 2 disorders by directly comparing in vitro models of axonal degeneration after axotomy or exposure to the neurotoxin vincristine. Embryonic rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were allowed to extend neurites for 5 days in culture, and then were either axotomized or exposed to 0.01 microM vincristine. ⋯ Chronic exposure to AK295 was not toxic to the cultures. These data suggest that common mechanisms involving calcium and calpains are involved in both axotomy-induced and vincristine-induced axonal degeneration. In addition, calpain inhibition may provide a strategy for preventing axonal degeneration and preserving neurologic function in a variety of PNS and CNS disorders.