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Rabbit model simulating transient hyperglycinemia following transurethral prostatectomy.
P Gentens1, P P De Deyn, R D'Hooge
1Department of Urology, University of Antwerp (U.I.A.), Antwerp, Belgium.
Amino Acids
|November 2, 2013
Summary
Intravenous glycine injection in rabbits caused dose-dependent hyperglycinemia, reaching levels seen in transurethral prostatectomy patients. This elevated glycine significantly distributed into the central nervous system, suggesting a link to TURP-related complications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Transurethral prostatectomy (TURP) can lead to neurological complications, including visual disturbances, collectively known as TURP syndrome.
- The role of glycine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, in these complications is not fully understood.
- Hyperglycinemia, elevated glycine levels in the blood, is a potential factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of systemically administered glycine into the central nervous system and ocular tissues in a rabbit model.
- To determine if glycine levels achieved during experimental hyperglycinemia are comparable to those observed in patients undergoing TURP.
- To assess the potential link between hyperglycinemia and the neurological and visual side effects associated with TURP.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous injection of glycine in rabbits at varying doses.
- Measurement of plasma glycine concentrations.
- Analysis of glycine levels in cerebrospinal fluid, retina, vitreous humor, and anterior chamber fluid at different time points post-injection.
- Comparison of experimental glycine levels with reported levels in TURP patients.
Main Results:
- Glycine injection resulted in dose-dependent hyperglycinemia, with 10mmol/kg achieving plasma levels (10-16mM) similar to those in TURP patients.
- A tenfold increase in glycine was observed in cerebrospinal fluid within 10 minutes.
- Significant elevations of glycine were noted in ocular tissues (retina, vitreous humor) and cerebral structures within 10-30 minutes post-injection.
Conclusions:
- Experimental hyperglycinemia leads to substantial glycine accumulation in the central nervous system and ocular compartments.
- These findings support the hypothesis that elevated glycine levels contribute to the pathogenesis of visual disturbances and other neurological complications observed in TURP syndrome.
- The study provides evidence linking glycine's neuroactivity to TURP-related adverse effects.
