Abstract:
Violation of amino acids metabolism in the human body is the cause of changes in thestructure and functions of almost all vital organs and systems. During the last tens ofyears, significant efforts of scientists have been directed to the in-depth study of suchcompound as homocysteine (Hcys), which is a thiol-containing amino acid and isproduced endogenously during the exchange of methionine and cysteine. Under theconditions of its normal concentration (5-15 μmol/l), it does not pose a threat to the lifeand health of living organisms. However, in a number of pathological conditions, apronounced increase of Hcys in blood plasma and inside cells is registered, whichleads to the appearance or progression of diseases, including damage of liver tissue. The aim of the research is to study the microscopic and histochemical changes in theliver of adult rats with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcys). The experiment was conductedon 22 white non-linear adult male rats aged 6-8 months. During the study, the animalswere divided into two groups - control and experimental. Chronic resistance to HHcyswas modeled by administering thiolactone Hcys in a dose of 200 mg/kg of body weightintragastrically for 60 days to the rats of the experimental group. Histologicalpreparations were studied using a SEO SСAN light microscope and photo-documentedusing a Vision CCD Camera with a system of image output from histological preparations. Succinate dehydrogenase was detected histochemically according to the Nakhlasmethod. These studies were carried out on sections made in a cryostat microtome fromunfixed tissue using nitro blue tetrazole. To study the specifics of glycogen accumulationin hepatocytes, sections were stained using Schiff's reagent, after preliminary treatmentwith iodic acid (PAS reaction) in the Shabadash modification. It was established thatthe administration of thiolactone Hcys to young rats at a dose of 200 mg/kg led to anincrease in the volume of connective tissue elements around the lobules and in theportal tracts of the liver. Thus, it was established that in the liver of adult rats withHHcys, there is a noticeable thickening of the fibrous connective tissue around thelobules and in the portal tracts, trabeculae dissociation, and the appearance of foci of necrosis of the parenchyma of the organ. Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of smoothmyocytes in the middle layer and fibrosis of the outer layer of the wall of interlobulararteries, leukocyte infiltration in the portal tracts are observed. A significant decreasein succinate dehydrogenase activity was established histochemically.
