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Paclitaxel-induced Neurological Dysfunction: An In Vivo Study in Female SKH-1 Mice
Susanne Reuter1,2, Fabian Müller-Graf3, Amelie R Zitzmann3
1Institute for Experimental Surgery, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany; susanne.reuter@med.uni-rostock.de.
Anticancer Research
|July 29, 2026
Summary
This study shows that female SKH-1 mice develop chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy after paclitaxel treatment. This mouse model is suitable for researching CIPN and may help address gender disparities in medicine.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) significantly impacts patient quality of life.
- Current treatments lack preventive or causal options for CIPN.
- Gender disparities exist in medical research and treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate a female SKH-1 mouse model for paclitaxel-induced peripheral neurological dysfunction.
- To characterize the temporal occurrence of neurological deficits in this model.
- To establish a suitable preclinical model for CIPN research.
Main Methods:
- 108 female SKH-1 mice were randomized into paclitaxel, vehicle, and saline groups.
- Mice received six cycles of intraperitoneal injections.
- Neurological function was assessed using von Frey, RotaRod, adhesive tape removal, and water maze tests, alongside biochemical and morphological analyses.
Main Results:
- Paclitaxel-treated mice exhibited progressive peripheral neuropathy, including hyperesthesia and hypesthesia.
- Significant performance deficits were observed in the RotaRod test.
- Elevated Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase (UCH-L1) and increased axonal condensation were noted in paclitaxel-treated mice.
Conclusions:
- The female SKH-1 mouse model reliably develops paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy.
- This model is appropriate for preclinical research into CIPN mechanisms and treatments.
- Utilizing this model could contribute to reducing gender disparities in medical research.
