Cognition, Behavior, and Memory
Author: Martina Griguelo | Email: martinagriguelo2@gmail.com
Martina Griguelo1°, Delia Soriano1°2°, Florencia Coronel1°2°
1° Laboratorio de Dolor asociado al Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT) CONICET – Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
2° Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy and associated pain are the major dose limiting side effects of this widely used chemotherapy drug. Central nervous system toxicity can also occur, contributing to the development of anxiety, cognitive dysfunction, and impairment in daily-life activities. This study aims to characterize multiple behavioral changes induced by paclitaxel (PAX) in rats, with a special focus on innate spontaneous activities. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats receiving either PAX or vehicle were periodically weighed. Simultaneously, food and water intake were assessed. Paw mechanical and cold-induced sensitivities were evaluated using von Frey and Choi tests. Locomotor activity, ethologically relevant parameters, and anxiety-like behaviors were also assessed by using the open field test. Animals receiving PAX exhibited heightened paw sensitivity to both mechanical and cold stimuli. Additionally, they experienced a progressive attenuation in their weight gain that paralleled a reduction in food and water intake. Moreover, PAX-treated animals showed decreased horizontal and vertical exploratory activities, while anxious-like behaviors was observed. This study offers valuable insights into the complex behavioral effects of PAX on rats, particularly in the context of peripheral and central neurotoxicity. This thorough phenotypic characterization of the rodent model will contribute to optimize translational mechanistic and treatment-oriented investigations.