Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Model

The CIPN model was induced as described previously (Polomano et al., 2001 (link)). Briefly, paclitaxel (Taxol^®) (2.0 mg Kg^–1 – cumulative dose of 8.0 mg Kg^–1) (Tocris, United Kingdom) was dissolved in a solution of 4% Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO). Rats weighing 190-200 g received an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of the paclitaxel solution in 4 alternate days (day 1, 3, 5, and 7). The injections were performed between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Control animals were injected with 4% DMSO. The DMSO concentration was elected based on previous studies showing that it is the minimal concentration of DMSO required to resuspend paclitaxel and it does not induce any toxic effects (Worthley and Schott, 1969 (link); Chen et al., 2011 (link); Braz et al., 2015 (link)).