Degeneration of trigeminal ganglion neurons caused by retrograde axonal transport of doxorubicin.

Selective nerve cell degeneration was induced in the trigeminal ganglion of the mouse by injecting doxorubicin (Adriamycin) around intact sensory nerve terminals of the head. The drug apparently reached the neurons by retrograde axonal transport after its uptake in nerve branches. A direct fluorescence microscopic method revealed that the compound accumulated in the neurons. Electronmicroscopy showed degeneration of these cells, beginning in the nucleolus and the nucleus. Doxorubicin injected around sensory nerve terminals appears to be a useful compound for selective destruction of mouse sensory neurons. Retrograde axonal transport of neurotoxic compounds is probably an important pathogenetic mechanism in certain forms of intoxication which give rise to lesions in the nervous system.