Toxoplasma gondii and Dopamine Metabolism
Author Information
Author(s): Prandovszky Emese, Gaskell Elizabeth, Martin Heather, Dubey J. P., Webster Joanne P., McConkey Glenn A.
Primary Institution: Institute of Integrative and Comparative Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
Hypothesis
Does Toxoplasma gondii infection affect dopamine metabolism in the host?
Conclusion
Toxoplasma gondii infection significantly increases dopamine metabolism in neural cells.
Supporting Evidence
- T. gondii infection led to a 14% increase in global dopamine content in infected mice brains.
- Dopamine release from infected dopaminergic cells increased by over three-fold compared to uninfected cells.
- Tyrosine hydroxylase, the enzyme responsible for dopamine synthesis, was found in T. gondii tissue cysts.
Takeaway
When mice get infected with a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, it makes their brains produce more of a chemical called dopamine, which can change their behavior.
Methodology
The study involved infecting dopaminergic cells with T. gondii and measuring dopamine release and metabolism using immunostaining and HPLC.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on in vitro models and may not fully represent in vivo conditions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website