In:
Parasite Immunology, Wiley, Vol. 43, No. 12 ( 2021-12)
Abstract:
Toxoplasma gondii ( T . gondii ) is a neurotropic protozoan parasite, which can cause mental and behavioural disorders. The present study aimed to elucidate the effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of sertraline (SERT) on T . gondii ‐induced depression‐like behaviours. In the present study, a mouse model and a microglial cell line (BV2 cells) model were established by infecting with the T . gondii RH strain. In in vivo and in vitro experiments, the underlying molecular mechanisms of SERT in inhibiting depression‐like behaviours and cellular perturbations caused by T . gondii infection were investigated in the mouse brain and BV2 cells. The administration of SERT significantly ameliorated depression‐like behaviours in T . gondii ‐infected mice. Furthermore, SERT inhibited T . gondii proliferation. Treatment with SERT significantly inhibited the activation of microglia and decreased levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, and interferon‐gamma, by down‐regulating tumour necrosis factor receptor 1/nuclear factor‐kappa B signalling pathway, thereby ameliorating the depression‐like behaviours induced by T . gondii infection. Our study provides insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms of the newly discovered role of SERT against T . gondii ‐induced depression‐like behaviours.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0141-9838
,
1365-3024
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2021
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2020808-X
SSG:
12
Permalink