Schwann cell degeneration induced by doxorubicin (adriamycin).

Doxorubicin is an anthracycline antineoplastic antibiotic that acts at the cell nucleus by intercalating between base pairs of DNA, thus inhibiting DNA-directed mRNA synthesis. Intraneural micro-injection of 0.19-0.38 micrograms of this substance into rat sciatic nerve results in a delayed subacute demyelination that is secondary to focal Schwann cell degeneration. Remyelination eventually occurs but is not complete until at least days 60-75 postinjection. Toxic Schwann cell disorders produced by agents such as doxorubicin may serve as useful models in understanding the pathogenesis of human demyelinative neuropathies.