An experimental model of peripheral neuropathy induced in rats by Karwinskia hum

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J Peripher Nerv Syst. 2006 Sep;11(3):253-61.

An experimental model of peripheral neuropathy induced in rats by

Karwinskia humboldtiana (buckthorn) fruit.

Salazar-Leal ME, MS, Sepulveda-Saavedra J, Romero- VJ,

Becerra-Verdin EM, Tamez- VA, ez HR, Pineyro- A,

Bermudez MV.

Departamento de Farmacologia y Toxicologia; Departamento de

Microbiologia, Departamento de Histologia; and Servicio de

Neurologia, Hospital Universitario y Facultad de Medicina,

Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico.

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.