Abstract

Muscarinic antagonists promote sensory neurite outgrowth in vitro and prevent and/or reverse multiple indices of peripheral neuropathy in rodent models of diabetes, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, and HIV protein-induced neuropathy when delivered systemically. We measured plasma concentrations of the M₁ receptor–selective muscarinic antagonist pirenzepine when delivered by subcutaneous injection, oral gavage, or topical application to the skin and investigated efficacy of topically delivered pirenzepine against indices of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic mice. Topical application of 2% pirenzepine to the paw resulted in plasma concentrations 6 hours postdelivery that approximated those previously shown to promote neurite outgrowth in vitro. Topical delivery of pirenzepine to the paw of mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes dose-dependently (0.1%–10.0%) prevented tactile allodynia, thermal hypoalgesia, and loss of epidermal nerve fibers in the treated paw and attenuated large fiber motor nerve conduction slowing in the ipsilateral limb. Efficacy against some indices of neuropathy was also noted in the contralateral limb, indicating systemic effects following local treatment. Topical pirenzepine also reversed established paw heat hypoalgesia, whereas withdrawal of treatment resulted in a gradual decline in efficacy over 2–4 weeks. Efficacy of topical pirenzepine was muted when treatment was reduced from 5 to 3 or 1 day/wk. Similar local effects were noted with the nonselective muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine when applied either to the paw or to the eye. Topical delivery of muscarinic antagonists may serve as a practical therapeutic approach to treating diabetic and other peripheral neuropathies.