Axonal transport disturbances in vincristine‐induced peripheral neuropathy

Abstract

Abstract Fast axoplasmic transport of labeled proteins as well as the ultrastructure was studied in the vagus nerves of cats treated chronically with vincristine sulfate (VCR) and in normal nerves exposed in vitro to vincristine. Transport was partially blocked in nerves of some neuropathic cats, and nerves of all neuropathic animals showed a small accelerated transport peak, probably reflecting a reactive or regenerative proces. In vitro, vincristine induced a dose‐related partial blockage of fast axoplasmic transport, with concurrent disappearance of microtubules and appearance of paracrystals.