About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection may Lead to Permanent Changes in Mice Brains

by Kathy Jones on September 21, 2013 at 7:07 PM
 Toxoplasma Gondii Infection may Lead to Permanent Changes in Mice Brains

A new study led by Wendy Ingram from the University of California, Berkeley, and published in the journal PLOS One suggests that Toxoplasma gondii infection in mice, which makes them lose their fear of cats, may lead to permanent changes in the fear mechanisms in the rodents as their loss of fear of their predators continues to persist even after parasite is no longer detectable in their brains.

Advertisement

Even after infection with Toxoplasma has been removed from rodents' brains, they continue to behave as if unafraid of the smell of cat urine, suggesting that the infection causes long-term changes in the brain. Previous studies have suggested this persistent behavioral change may be due to brain inflammation or parasite cysts within brain cells. In this study, the researchers found that this lack of fear persisted even when inflammation markers or cysts could not be detected in mice. Based on experiments with low-virulence strains of Toxoplasma and exposing mice to the parasites over a long period of time, the authors suggest that the lack of fear occurs within the first three weeks of infection. The behavioral change persists even in the absence of parasite cysts and brain inflammation, suggesting a different mechanism may be responsible, such as proteins injected by the parasite into host cells. Ingram elaborates, "It is remarkable that even after the infection has been largely or completely cleared, a profound behavioral change persists. Simply having a transient infection resulting in what is potentially a permanent change in host biology may have huge implications for infectious disease medicine."



Source: Eurekalert
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest Research News

Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks: Link to Traumatic Brain Injury and Dementia?
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are detected in approximately 1-3% of adults who have experienced a traumatic brain injury.
Astrocyte Activation Through Optogenetics: A New Hope in the Fight Against Alzheimer's
The optogenetic activation of hippocampal astrocytes can be viewed as a novel therapeutic avenue for addressing Alzheimer's disease.
Link Between Cholesterol and Inflammation in Alzheimer's Disease Identified
In Alzheimer's disease condition, the control and adjustment of ABCA7 levels in response to inflammation and the decrease in the availability of cholesterol.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Atopic Dermatitis Share Common Links
Atopic dermatitis (AD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can lead to alterations in the microbiome, and disruptions in the skin and gut barrier.
Vitiligo-Associated Autoimmunity Linked to Lower Health Risks
Gaining insights into mortality risks among vitiligo patients will enhance patient counseling, healthcare monitoring, and overall patient management strategies.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection may Lead to Permanent Changes in Mice Brains Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests