The neuromyopathy of vincristine in man

Interactions between docetaxel (Taxotere) and Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes.

“…They are in the same range as those observed with the vinca alkaloids, vinblastine and vincristine (6,7). In contrast to Taxotere, these latter drugs inhibit the polymerization of tubulin into microtubules and also interfere with neuronal transport resulting in pronounced neurotoxicity, which is reversible (21,22). Taxol derivatives inhibit the in vitro disassembly of microtubules (9,10,14 At the nanomolar level, Taxotere clearly inhibits schizont stages, but the effects on mitotic-spindle microtubules are not clear.…”

“…A growth period of about 30 hr gives first the ring form and then the trophozoite form. Then schizogony occurs with a DNA synthesis phase, a series of nuclear divisions, and a complex cell morphogenesis process producing [20][21][22][23][24] infective cells. The chronology of the erythrocytic schizogony (4) and its experimental induction (5) are well known, but the molecular cascades that mediate each step are poorly understood.…”

Toxic Myopathies

“…More common side effect of vincristine is a toxic axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathy that is associated with distal muscle weakness and sensory loss. Proximal muscle weakness and myalgias are less common (49). …”

“…NCS demonstrate markedly reduced amplitudes of SNAPs and CMAPS, while the distal latencies are slightly prolonged and conduction velocities are mildly slow (49). Needle EMG demonstrates positive sharp waves, fibrillation potentials, and neurogenic appearing MUAPS in the distally located muscles of the upper and lower extremities.…”

“…Proximal muscle biopsies reveal scattered necrotic fibers (49). On EM, there is prominent myofibrillar disarray and subsarcolemmal accumulation of osmiophilic material.…”