The present study was undertaken to develop an animal model to study neurolathyrism. For this purpose 24 goat (Capra hircus) kids (new born, 15 days old) were divided into four groups. Group I Control, Group II Low toxin (0.17 g% β-ODAP containing grass pea), Group III high toxin (0.96 g% β-ODAP containing grass pea) and Group IV high toxin (0.96 g% β-ODAP containing grass pea flour (powder) fortified with 5 mg% pure β-ODAP). The experiment was continued for 3 months. Clinical examination was carried out weekly. Muscle conduction velocity (MCV), nerve conduction velocity (NCV), blood and urinary β-ODAP, nitrite in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination were performed by standard methods. Clinical examination showed neurolathyrism symptoms in three kids. The abnormal MCV and NCV were observed in all the experimental animals. Blood nitrite, blood and urine β-ODAP levels were significantly increased in experimental groups. Three kids were affected with neurolathyrism due to consumption of grass pea irrespective of its β-ODAP content and kid may serve as a neurolathyrism model.
Keywords: Lathyrus sativus; Muscle conduction velocity; Nerve conduction velocity; Susceptibility; β-ODAP.
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