The use of different experimental models of hyperhomocysteinemia in neurochemical studies

Abstract

We reviewed experimental models in which an increase in the content of homocysteine in rat blood was achieved by chronic (1 month) consumption of methionine with drinking water (1 g/kg weight) or forced oral injection of methionine solution (0.1-0.15 g in a small volume of water). The effectiveness of the model of hyperhomocysteinemia was evaluated using the homocysteine content and intensity of lipid perox idation in the blood serum. It was found that strictly dosed consumption of methionine during its forced oral administration was not accompanied by side effects (dehydration or pediculosis) and also results in less sub stantial, as compared to consumption with drinking water, deviations in the blood content of homocysteine. One of the advantages of this experimental model is the clear changes in the content of catecholamines in the rat hypothalamus.