The ACTH-(4-9) analog, ORG 2766, prevents taxol-induced neuropathy in rats.

Taxol is a novel and promising oncolytic agent the use of which is hampered by its neurotoxicity. We now describe a taxol-induced neuropathy in rats and its prevention by the adrenocorticotropic hormone-(4-9) (ACTH-(4-9)) analog, ORG 2766. A decrease in sensory nerve conduction velocity was seen in taxol-treated rats, both with daily injections of small amounts (6 mg/kg per week) and with weekly injections of higher amounts (9 mg/kg per week) of taxol.

Cisplatin-induced neuropathy in mature rats: effects of the melanocortin-derived peptide ORG 2766.

A major side effect of cisplatin treatment is peripheral neuropathy. In the past few years we have provided evidence that the ACTH4-9 analogue ORG 2766 provides protection against this neuropathy in rats and man. In this study we investigated the development of a cisplatin-induced neuropathy and the protective and therapeutic actions of ORG 2766 in mature rats.