Role of oxidative stress in oxaliplatin-induced enteric neuropathy and colonic dysmotility in mice

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Oxaliplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapeutic drug used as a first-line therapy for colorectal cancer. However, its use is associated with severe gastrointestinal side-effects resulting in dose limitations and/or cessation of treatment. In this study, we tested whether oxidative stress, caused by chronic oxaliplatin treatment, induces enteric neuronal damage and colonic dysmotility. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Oxaliplatin (3 mg·kg-1 per day) was administered in vivo to Balb/c mice intraperitoneally three times a week. The distal colon was collected at day 14 of treatment. Immunohistochemistry was performed in wholemount preparations of submucosal and myenteric ganglia. ..