A thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy model in C57BL/6 mice: a behavioral and neurochemical study

OBJECTIVE: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome resulting from liver failure. In the present study, we aimed to standardize an animal model of HE induced by thioacetamide (TAA) in C57BL/6 mice evaluating behavioral symptoms in association with liver damage and alterations in neurotransmitter release. METHOD: HE was induced by an intraperitoneal single dose of TAA (200 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg or 1,200 mg/kg). Behavioral symptoms were evaluated using the SHIRPA battery. Liver damage was confirmed by histopathological analysis. The glutamate release was measured using fluorimetric assay. RESULTS: The neuropsychiatric state, motor behavior and reflex and sensory functions were significantly altered in the group receiving 600 mg/kg of TAA. Biochemical analysis revealed an increase in the glutamate release in the cerebral cortex of HE mice. CONCLUSION: HE induced by 600mg/kg TAA injection in C57BL/6 mice seems to be a suitable model to investigate the pathogenesis and clinical disorders of HE.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Miranda,Aline Silva de, Rodrigues,David Henrique, Vieira,Luciene Bruno, Lima,Cristiano Xavier, Rachid,Milene Alvarenga, Vidigal,Paula Vieira Teixeira, Gomez,Marcus Vinicius, Reis,Helton José dos, Guatimosim,Cristina, Teixeira,Antônio Lúcio
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Academia Brasileira de Neurologia - ABNEURO 2010
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0004-282X2010000400022
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