RESEARCH REPORT: An experimental model of peripheral neuropathy induced in rats by Karwinskia humboldtiana (buckthorn) fruit

Intoxication by Karwinskia humboldtiana (buckthorn) fruit presents a neurological picture similar to that of Guillain-Barre syndrome. In this report, we describe an experimental animal model of peripheral neuropathy induced by buckthorn fruit. Four groups of Wistar rats received one oral dose of 1.5...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the peripheral nervous system 2006-09, Vol.11 (3), p.253-261
Main Authors: Salazar-Leal, Martha E, Flores, MS, Sepulveda-Saavedra, Julio, Romero-Diaz, Viktor J, Becerra-Verdin, Eduardo M, Tamez-Rodriguez, Victor A, Martinez, Hector R, Pineyro-Lopez, Alfredo, Bermudez, M V
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Karwinskia humboldtiana
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Summary:Intoxication by Karwinskia humboldtiana (buckthorn) fruit presents a neurological picture similar to that of Guillain-Barre syndrome. In this report, we describe an experimental animal model of peripheral neuropathy induced by buckthorn fruit. Four groups of Wistar rats received one oral dose of 1.5 g/kg followed by oral doses of 0.5 g/kg at days 3, 7, 10, and 14 of dried and ground buckthorn fruit in aqueous suspension. Rats were sacrificed at 24, 48, 58, and 112 days after initial dose. Treated animals developed progressive paralysis through 58 days, then completely recovered by 112 days. Sciatic nerves showed segmental demyelination and cellular infiltrates until 58 days after exposure and then remyelinating changes at 112 days. This experimental model for peripheral neuropathy is reproducible and easy to handle. Its manipulation is relatively innocuous and allows us to study reversible peripheral nerve damage. This model can be developed in other animal species and may be useful to test new therapies for peripheral neuropathy.
ISSN:1085-9489
1529-8027
DOI:10.1111/j.1529-8027.2006.00096.x