Toxocara canis and lead alter consummatory behavior in mice

Area of Science:

• Neurotoxicology
• Parasitology
• Behavioral Neuroscience

Background:

• Toxocara canis is a common canine parasite with zoonotic potential.
• Lead exposure is a known neurotoxin affecting behavior and development.
• The combined effects of parasitic infection and lead on neurobehavior are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the behavioral and neurobiological effects of Toxocara canis infection alone and in combination with lead exposure in adult mice.
• To assess changes in consummatory behavior, thermal reactivity, and seizure susceptibility.

Main Methods:

• Adult mice were administered Toxocara canis, lead, or a combination of both.
• Ingestion of palatable and unpalatable solutions was measured.
• Response to a hot plate test and susceptibility to electroconvulsive seizure (ECS) were assessed.
• Histological examination of the central nervous system (CNS) was performed.

Main Results:

• Both lead and Toxocara canis individually altered mouse behavior.
• Combined exposure to lead and Toxocara canis showed interactive effects on consummatory behavior.
• Hot plate and ECS results were inconclusive regarding temperature reactivity and seizure susceptibility.
• Histological analysis revealed Wallerian-type degeneration in CNS fiber pathways of infected mice.

Conclusions:

• Lead and Toxocara canis independently influence mouse behavior.
• Synergistic effects were observed on consummatory behavior when both agents were present.
• Parasitic infection with Toxocara canis leads to observable neuropathological changes in the CNS.