Convulsive properties of D,L homocysteine and D,L homocysteine thiolactone in adult rats

Introduction: Hyperhomocysteinemia is related to epileptogenesis and suboptimal control of seizures in the patients with epilepsy. Available data suggest that homocysteine can be harmful to human cells because of its metabolic conversion to homocysteine thiolactone, a reactive thioester. The aim of the study was to investigate the convulsive properties of equimolar concentrations of D,L homocysteine and D,L homocysteine thiolactone in adult rats. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were divided into following groups: 1. saline-treated (C, n=10), 2. D, L homocysteine 8 mM/kg, i.p. (H; n=8), and 3. D,L homocysteine-thiolactone (Ht; n=8). Seizure behavior was assessed by the incidence, latency, number and intensity of seizure episodes. Seizure severity was described by a descriptive scale with grades 0-4.Results: There were no behavioural signs of seizure activity in C group. The incidence of convulsions was lower in group H comparing to the Ht group but statistical significance was not attained. Latency to the first seizure onset was significantly higher in H comparing to the Ht group (p