Spheromembranous Degeneration of Muscle Induced by Vincristine

VINCRISTINE SULFATE is an alkaloid with oncolytic activity obtained from the periwinkle plant,Vinca roseaLinn.1,2Its mode of action has not been clarified, but it has been shown to arrest mitotic division in metaphase.3,4The drug has been used for the treatment of a variety of neoplasms, particularly acute leukemia in children.5-10From reports in the literature11-13and personal observations, it has been noted that patients receiving vincristine often develop flaccid distal weakness, distal paresthesias, and depression or extinction of deep tendon reflexes, all of which are readily reversible on cessation of treatment, suggesting a drug-induced peripheral neuropathy. This study was undertaken to determine the histopathologic and histochemical effects of vincristine on the nerve and muscle. Material and Methods A group of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 165 to 280 gm (6-10 oz), were injected intraperitoneally with vincristine sulfate in doses ranging from 0.2