Cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity with seizures in frogs

Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II (cisplatin) given by injection to adult frogs (Rana pipiens) resulted in tonic-clonic seizures 3 to 5 weeks later. The seizures could be induced multiple times; the animals appeared entirely normal between seizures. In the spinal cord there was vacuolation in the anterior grey horns. Ultrastructurally, the vacuoles consisted of swollen astrocytic processes in the neuropil and around neurons. Generalized edema with swelling of perivascular astrocyte foot processes was not seen. Systemic administration of cisplatin to frogs results in neurotoxicity with seizures and astrocytic swelling in the spinal cord.