Exploring the interplay of chronic toxoplasmosis and NMDAR dysfunction: Insights into schizophrenia-like behaviors and therapeutic potential
| Autor: | Seyedeh Mina Masoumi, Mohammad Reza Youssefi, Seyed Shapoor Reza Shojaei |
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| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Rok vydání: | 2024 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | Open Veterinary Journal, Vol 14, Iss 7, Pp 1634-1643 (2024) |
| Druh dokumentu: | article |
| ISSN: | 2226-4485 2218-6050 |
| DOI: | 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i7.13 |
| Popis: | Background: Chronic toxoplasmosis has been strongly implicated in the development of psychosis and schizophrenia. Additionally, the understanding of schizophrenia has been significantly reshaped by insights into N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction. Aim: This study aimed to compare the behavioral, antioxidant, and NMDAR changes in mice subjected to Toxoplasma gondii infection and those treated with ketamine to induce schizophrenia-like symptoms. Methods: Sixty male BALB/c mice were divided into six groups: TOXO (infected), KET (ketamine-induced schizophrenia), TOXO+KET, TOXO+SDT (sulfadiazine-trimethoprim treatment), TOXO+KET+SDT, and CON (uninfected). After 10 weeks post-infection, behavioral tests were conducted, brain antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation were analyzed, and NMDA-NR1/NR2A expressions were assessed. TOXO and KET induced distinct behaviors: hyperlocomotion, anxiety, and memory impairment. Results: Antioxidant enzyme levels decreased, and lipid peroxidation increased in TOXO and schizophrenic mice brains. NMDAR downregulation, especially NR-1 and NR2A, was evident due to T. gondii and ketamine. Sulfadiazine-trimethoprim ameliorated NMDAR downregulation, but not all of the behavioral alterations. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to elucidate specific NMDAR subunit roles in toxoplasmosis-induced pathophysiology, offering potential therapeutic insights. This investigation highlights the intricate relationship between chronic toxoplasmosis, NMDAR dysfunction, and schizophrenia-like behaviors. Insights gained could pave the way for innovative interventions targeting both cognitive and neurological impairments associated with these conditions. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(7.000): 1634-1643] |
| Databáze: | Directory of Open Access Journals |
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