Impact of hyperhomocysteinemia on histo-morphometry and histochemistry of pancreas in sand rat, Psammomys obesus

Abstract

Introduction. The sand rat, Psammomys obesus, a diurnal rodent, which lives in the south-east of the Algerian Sahara, is an excellent animal model for the study of diabetes, atherosclerosis, and metabolic syndrome. Hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy), defined by high plasma homocysteine level, is associated with many diseases affecting various organs (heart, blood vessels, liver…). Objectives. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Hhcy on the sand rats pancreas. Material and methods. The rats were divided into two groups: a control group received its natural diet with halophile plant of the Chenopodiacae family (Suaedamollis), and an experimental group received the same diet associated with an intraperitoneal administration of methionine (150 mg/kg body weight/day) during 6 months. Histological and histochemical analysis of Psammomys pancreas were realized and completed by a morphometric study. Results. The methionine excess led to a hyperhomocysteinemia in Psammomys obesus. Several alterations were observed in pancreas extracellular matrix of hyperhomocysteinemic rats, marked by an accumulation of fibrillar collagens, and glycoproteins leading to a fibrosis. This accumulation was observed in the Langerhans islets, and in the exocrine pancreas (interstitial tissue, around blood vessels, and excretory channels). A disorganization of the vascular wall, and a micro- and macrovesicular steatosis were also observed in the pancreas of hyperhomocysteinemic rats. Conclusion. The hyperhomocysteinemia, generated by the methionine excess, leads to a pancreatic extracellular matrix remodeling in Psammomys obesus.

Keywords

• Methionine
• Hyperhomocysteinemia
• Pancreas
• Histology