Role of the indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase/kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism in behavioral alterations in a hepatic encephalopathy rat model.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study aims to explore the role of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO)/kynurenine (KYN) pathway of tryptophan (TRY) metabolism in behavioral alterations observed in hepatic encephalopathy (HE) rats.

Methods

Expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines were tested by QT-PCR and ELISA, levels of IDOs were tested by QT-PCR and Western blot, and levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), KYN, TRY, 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), and kynurenic acid (KA) in different brain regions were estimated using HPLC. Effects of the IDO direct inhibitor 1-methyl-L-tryptophan (1-MT) on cognitive, anxiety, and depressive-like behavior were evaluated in bile duct ligation (BDL) rats.

Results

Increased serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were shown in rats 7 days after BDL, and thes

SUBMITTER: Jiang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5753541 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature