Retrograde axoplasmic transport of adriamycin: an experimental form of motor neuron disease?

Adriamycin (ADM) is a DNA-directed RNA inhibitor. In attempts to produce an experimental form of motor neuron disease, we injected the agent into rat sciatic nerve. Retrograde axoplasmic flow conveyed ADM into soma of the spinal motor neurons, as confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. Motor neuron degeneration, which included nuclear heterochromatinization and diffuse chromatolysis, was observed after 6 to 8 days. After 2 weeks, many neurons that gave rise to sciatic nerve efferents underwent dissolution. Retrograde axoplasmic flow and DNA-injurious substances could affect survival of motor neurons.