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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
HE induced by 600 mg/kg TAA injection in C57BL/6 mice seems to be a suitable model to investigate the pathogenesis and clinical disorders of HE.
Miranda
Aline Silva de
AS
Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Rodrigues
David Henrique
DH
Vieira
Luciene Bruno
LB
Lima
Cristiano Xavier
CX
Rachid
Milene Alvarenga
MA
Vidigal
Paula Vieira Teixeira
PV
Gomez
Marcus Vinicius
MV
Reis
Helton José Dos
HJ
Guatimosim
Cristina
C
Teixeira
Antônio Lúcio
AL
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000139:chemically induced*; D017114:Liver Failure, Acute / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D013853:Thioacetamide / Q000633:toxicity*
D013853:Thioacetamide; D018698:Glutamic Acid