SARS-CoV-2 propagation to the TPH2-positive neurons in the ventral tegmental area induces cell death via GSK3β-dependent accumulation of phosphorylated tau.

ABSTRACT: COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, was declared a pandemic by the WHO in 2020. Psychiatric symptoms including sleep disturbance, memory impairment, and depression are associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. These symptoms are causes long-term mental and physical distress in recovering patients; however, the underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, we determined the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on brain tissue using k18hACE2 mice. Using brain tissue from 18hACE2 mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 through intranasal administration, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and RNA were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining and in-situ hybridization. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that Tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2)-positive cells and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were co-localized

SUBMITTER: Imai M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11524480 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature