Effects of extended-release exenatide on recovery from mechanical allodynia and axonal degeneration induced by oxaliplatin.

<p>Oxaliplatin (4 mg/kg) was administered i.v. twice per week for 4 weeks (days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, and 23). Extended-release exenatide (100 μg/kg) was administered s.c. once per week for 9 weeks (days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36, 43, 50, and 57). Oxaliplatin treatment ceased on day 23, however exenatide treatment was continued for an additional 5 weeks. (A) The von Frey test was performed before the first drug administration (on day 0) and on days 35, 42, 49, 56, and 63. Values are expressed as the mean ± standard error mean of five to six animals. (B) On days 42 and 63, the sciatic nerve was harvested, and samples were stained with toluidine blue. Images were captured at 800× magnification. Scale bar = 60 μm. (C) The area of axon (number of axon: from 3000 to 6000/field) was measured using image analysis software (Image J 1.36). Values are expressed as the mean ± standard error mean of four animals. *<i>P</i> < 0.05, **<i>P</i> < 0.01 compared with vehicle, ††<i>P</i> < 0.01 compared with oxaliplatin alone.