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Hippocampal sclerosis induced in mice by a Taenia crassiceps metacestode factor

N Zepeda1, N Copitin1, J L Chávez2

  • 1Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Estructural, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, C.P. 04510 A.P. 70-242.

Journal of Helminthology
|August 24, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Taenia solium metacestode factor (Fac) impairs learning and causes hippocampal damage in mice, mimicking human neurocysticercosis. This study highlights Fac

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Parasitology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Neurocysticercosis, a parasitic brain infection, is a leading cause of epilepsy.
  • The role of specific parasitic factors in neurocysticercosis pathogenesis remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Taenia solium metacestode factor (Fac) in neurocysticercosis using a Taenia crassiceps mouse model.
  • To assess the impact of Fac on cognitive function and hippocampal integrity.

Main Methods:

  • Experimental infection of mice with T. crassiceps metacestodes.
  • Subcutaneous inoculation with T. crassiceps metacestode factor (Fac).
  • Behavioral testing using the Barnes maze and histological analysis of brain tissue.

Main Results:

  • Infection and Fac inoculation significantly impaired learning and memory in the Barnes maze.
  • Histological examination revealed bilateral hippocampal sclerosis, including cell dispersion, apoptosis, and cell loss in key hippocampal regions (dentate gyrus, hilus, CA1-CA3).
  • Significant cortical deterioration and disruption of surrounding tissue architecture, along with endothelial cell apoptosis, were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Taenia solium metacestode factor (Fac) plays a crucial role in the neuropathology of neurocysticercosis.
  • Fac induces cognitive deficits and severe hippocampal damage, suggesting its direct contribution to brain dysfunction in infected individuals.
Keywords:
Barnes mazeTaenia crassicepsTaenia soliumapoptosishippocampal sclerosis, metacestode factor (Fac)mouse modelneurocysticercosis

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