EFFECTS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS ON LEVELS OF HOMOCYSTEINE AND FOLATE IN RATS AND REGULATION OF FOLATE / 营养学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the effects of psychological stress on the levels of Hcy and folate in rats. Method The Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups as followscontrol,stress and stress with folate supplement. The animal model of psychological stress was developed by restraint. Results The levels of Hcy both in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were increased and not only the level of folate in plasma but also in cortex,hippocampus,liver and mucous membrane epithelium of small intestine were decreased under restraint stress. Folate supplement could improve the depletion of folate and the increase of Hcy induced by restraint. Conclusion The depletion of folate may be one of the important factors of high Hcy level induced by psychological stress.