RESUMO
The author reviews previous therapeutic attempts to stimulate regeneration of peripheral nerves. Since 1971 he has been studying a synthetic compound, isaxonine, which in rats accelerates nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Stimulation of axonal regeneration and collateral sprouting has been demonstrated in tissue cultures. The therapeutic activity of the compound has been demonstrated in man in leprous neuropathy and in vincristine neuropathy. Isaxonine has specific affinity for peripheral nerves. Its acts directly on the neuron or indirectly by stimulating production of a growth factor remains unknown. In vitro and in vivo studies isaxonine have shown that isaxonine antagonizes the noxious effects of Vinca alkaloids on neurotubular structure. Research in progress suggest a possible action of this new compound in other diseases related to tubulin anomaly.
Assuntos
Regeneração Nervosa/efeitos dos fármacos , Pirimidinas/farmacologia , Animais , Humanos , Distrofia Muscular Animal/fisiopatologia , Neurônios/efeitos dos fármacos , Doenças do Sistema Nervoso Periférico/induzido quimicamente , Doenças do Sistema Nervoso Periférico/fisiopatologia , Tubulina (Proteína)/metabolismo , Vincristina/farmacologiaRESUMO
On a model of compressive human neuropathy--leprous neuropathy occuring below an osteoligamentary canal following a process of sclerosis--a double-blind survey of isaxonine versus a placebo was undertaken after matching of patients to obtain similar pairs. After four months of treatment with isaxonine, the electrophysiological tests (EMG of the anterior tibialis and of the abductor digiti minimi muscle) showed a very significant improvement in the graphs of patients receiving the active agent, as compared to a lack of improvement, even an aggravation for those patients receiving the placebo. It may thus be concluded that muscular reinnervation has occurred, either by sprouting of the remaining healthy fibers or by regeneration of the damaged axons, or by both phenomena simultaneously.