Preclinical evaluation of the effects on the gastrointestinal tract of the antineoplastic drug vincristine repeatedly administered to rats

• Published in: Neurogastroenterology and motility Vol. 30; no. 11; pp. e13399 - n/a
• Main Authors: López‐Gómez, L., Díaz‐Ruano, S., Girón, R., López‐Pérez, A. E., Vera, G., Herradón Pliego, E., López‐Miranda, V., Nurgali, K., Martín‐Fontelles, M. I., Uranga, J. A., Abalo, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.11.2018
• Subjects: Animal models; Cancer; Colon; Enteric nervous system; Fluoroscopy; Gastric motility; gastrointestinal motility; Gastrointestinal tract; Ileum; Immunohistochemistry; Inflammation; Intestine; Long-term effects; Motility; Mucosa; Myenteric plexus; neuropathy; Nodules; Peripheral neuropathy; Rodents; Vincristine; gastrointestinal motility; neuropathy; vincristine; immunohistochemistry; fluoroscopy
• ISSN: 1350-1925; 1365-2982
• DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13399

Background Vincristine is a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent. It is associated with undesirable digestive side effects. However, the impact of vincristine on gastrointestinal structure and motility or its long‐term effects have not been deeply studied in animal models. This could be useful in order to develop therapeutic or preventive strategies for cancer patients. The aim of this study was to analyze such effects. Methods Rats received saline or vincristine (0.1 mg kg−1, ip) daily for 10 days. Evaluations were performed during treatment and 2‐6 weeks after. Somatic mechano‐sensitivity was assessed using von Frey hairs. Gastrointestinal motor function was studied by means of radiographic still images and colonic propulsion of fecal pellets using fluoroscopy videos. Histological assessment of the gut morphology and immunohistochemistry for HuC/D and nNOS were performed in whole‐mount myenteric plexus preparations. Key Results Peripheral sensitivity was increased in animals treated with vincristine and did not subside 2 weeks after treatment finalization. Vincristine treatment inhibited gastrointestinal motility although this was recovered to normal values with time. Damage in the digestive wall after vincristine treatment was greater in the ileum than in the colon. Villi shortening (in ileum) and large inflammatory nodules still remained 2 weeks after treatment finalization. Finally, the proportion of nNOS‐immunoreactive neurons was increased with vincristine and continued to be increased 2 weeks after treatment finalization. Conclusions and Inferences Vincristine alters gastrointestinal motility, peripheral sensitivity and mucosal architecture. Vincristine‐induced neuropathy (somatic and enteric), intestinal mucosa damage and inflammatory infiltrations are relatively long‐lasting. The effects produced by vincristine repeatedly administered in rats are described. Although reduction in general gastrointestinal motility and colonic propulsion of fecal pellets seem to recover after treatment, vincristine‐induced neuropathy (somatic and enteric), intestinal mucosa damage and inflammatory infiltrations are relatively long‐lasting. Sequelae of chemotherapy should be more closely monitored.