Fig. 2: Lithium pretreatment prevented nociceptive impairment and allodynia induced by MMAE.
From: Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy in monomethyl Auristatin E treatment: prevention by lithium
a The licking time upon capsaicin injection was significantly different in the MMAE group (n = 5) when compared to both the saline (n = 4) or lithium (n = 5) groups (p < 0.001), suggesting loss of peripheral sensitivity to pain. Lithium pretreatment (n = 4) prevented nociceptive impairment caused by MMAE-based chemotherapy, with licking time comparable to the control (p > 0.05). b Comparison of Capsaicin Test results after 7 and 28 days of treatment termination showed no significant difference, indicating that the nociceptive impairment induced by MMAE is sustained up to 28 days and the protection by lithium pretreatment is maintained. c A dose-response curve shows that a lower dose of lithium (6.4 mg/Kg) is able to prevent loss of nociception (p < 0.0001, n = 3 for additional dosages), but not the 3.2 mg/Kg dose of lithium. d Graphical representation of the apparatus used for the Von Frey Test. e The Von Frey Test showed a significant difference between MMAE group and both saline or lithium groups (p < 0.0001), indicating the development of allodynia. Lithium pretreatment was able to prevent the allodynia, showing no statistical difference in the response threshold compared to the control (p < 0.0001, n = 7 each group). f A dose-response curve indicates that lower dosages of lithium are not effective to prevent allodynia in mice (p > 0.05, n = 3 for additional dosages).
