Toxoplasma infection induces microglia-neuron contact and the loss of perisomatic inhibitory synapses.

ABSTRACT: Infection and inflammation within the brain induces changes in neuronal connectivity and function. The intracellular protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, is one pathogen that infects the brain and can cause encephalitis and seizures. Persistent infection by this parasite is also associated with behavioral alterations and an increased risk for developing psychiatric illness, including schizophrenia. Current evidence from studies in humans and mouse models suggest that both seizures and schizophrenia result from a loss or dysfunction of inhibitory synapses. In line with this, we recently reported that persistent T. gondii infection alters the distribution of glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), an enzyme that catalyzes GABA synthesis in inhibitory synapses. These changes could reflect a

SUBMITTER: Carrillo GL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7423646 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature