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Schistosoma mansoni: influence of infection on mouse behavior
Abstract:
Schistosoma mansoni infection in humans and animals induces abnormal neurobehavioral responses following granuloma formation. In mice, granulomas in the liver are observed 8 weeks after infection, while after 15-20 weeks, the presence of eggs and granulomas in the brain has been reported. In this study, outbred CD-1 female mice were infected with S. mansoni and examined in several behavioral tests (open field, novel object investigation, black/white box, and hot plate) 8 and 15 weeks after infection. The detected effects of schistosome infection were a reduction of body weight in 8-week infected mice, marked changes in exploration/activity, rearing, and wall-rearing in 8- and 15-week infected mice, an enhancement of sniffing and grooming in 8-week infected mice, and finally an increase in the threshold of pain response to the hot plate in 15-week infected mice. The results of the present study indicate that S. mansoni infection markedly alters exploratory behavior of mice, affecting particularly the vertical movements of the animals, and suggests that the differences in behavioral abnormalities between 8- and 15-week infected mice might be associated with modifications in the levels of nerve growth factor and cytokines induced by granulomas.
Insights
Schistosoma mansoni infection alters mouse behavior, impacting exploration and pain responses. These neurobehavioral changes may relate to granuloma-induced nerve growth factor and cytokine modifications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Parasitology
- Immunology
Background:
- Schistosoma mansoni infection causes neurobehavioral changes linked to granuloma formation.
- Granulomas appear in the liver at 8 weeks and brain at 15-20 weeks post-infection in mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neurobehavioral effects of Schistosoma mansoni infection in mice at 8 and 15 weeks post-infection.
- To correlate behavioral changes with potential alterations in nerve growth factor and cytokines.
Main Methods:
- Outbred CD-1 female mice infected with S. mansoni.
- Behavioral testing at 8 and 15 weeks included open field, novel object investigation, black/white box, and hot plate tests.
Main Results:
- S. mansoni infection reduced body weight and altered exploration, rearing, and wall-rearing behaviors at both 8 and 15 weeks.
- Increased sniffing and grooming were observed at 8 weeks.
- A higher pain response threshold was noted at 15 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Schistosoma mansoni infection significantly alters mouse exploratory behavior, particularly vertical movements.
- Temporal differences in behavioral abnormalities suggest a role for granuloma-induced changes in nerve growth factor and cytokines.