Resumo

MIRANDA, Aline Silva de et al. A thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy model in C57BL/6 mice: a behavioral and neurochemical study. Arq. Neuro-Psiquiatr. [online]. 2010, vol.68, n.4, pp. 597-602. ISSN 0004-282X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0004-282X2010000400022.

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.

Palavras-chave : hepatic encephalopathy; thioacetamide; behavioral changes; SHIRPA; glutamate.