Reduced brain volume and impaired memory in betaine homocysteine S-methyltransferase knockout mice.

Using a mouse model, this study examined the impact of lack of betaine homocysteine S-methyltransferase (BHMT) on neurological function. Bhmt(-/-) mice maintained on a control diet had elevated concentrations of homocysteine, reduced total brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volume, as well as impaired reference and short-term memories. The results of this study indicate that the absence of BHMT may play a role in neurological function.