Interaction of chronic toxoplasmosis and ketamine-induced psychosis: Potential behavioral, histopathological and neurochemical impact in a murine model

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Parasitology Department , Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Egypt

2 Parasitology Department,Faculty of Medicine, Menofia University, Egypt

3 Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine,Menofia University, Egypt

4 Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine,, Menoufia University, shebin elkom, Egypt

5 Parasitology Department,Faculty of Medicine,Menofia University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Chronic toxoplasmosis and psychosis were linked in several reports. The unknown mechanism that causes the host's behavior to change requires more exploration.
Objective: To investigate the effect of chronic toxoplasmosis and ketamine-induced psychosis on certain behavioral alterations, as well as alterations at the cellular and neurotransmitter levels.
Material and Methods: Sixty mice employed in this study were assigned to five groups (GI-GV) designated as follow: GI uninfected control; GII infected with T. gondii ME49 strain; GIII ketamine induced-psychosis; GIV infected by T. gondii ME49 strain then subjected to ketamine induced psychosis; GV infected, ketamine and spiramycin treated. The study parameters included behavioral tests, histopathological changes, immunohistochemical examination for brain astrocytes, neurochemical analysis for acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and molecular study for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene expression.
Results: Mice of GII, GIII, and GIV showed increased locomotor activity, anhedonic-like symptoms and impaired memory. A significant decrease in the pyramidal cell layer thickness and the hippocampal total area was detected. Gliosis was the feature detected immunohistochemically. Gene expression of TH as well as AchE activity were increased in all groups compared to GI. The most prominent changes were in the combined GIV.
Conclusion: The interplay between chronic toxoplasmosis and induced psychosis

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