Abstract

Background:
Chronic toxoplasmosis has been strongly implicated in the development of psychosis and schizophrenia. Additionally, the understanding of schizophrenia has been significantly reshaped by insights into N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction.
Aim:
This study aimed to compare the behavioral, antioxidant, and NMDAR changes in mice subjected to Toxoplasma gondii infection and those treated with ketamine to induce schizophrenia-like symptoms.
Methods:
Sixty male BALB/c mice were divided into six groups: TOXO (infected), KET (ketamine-induced schizophrenia), TOXO+KET, TOXO+SDT (sulfadiazine-trimethoprim treatment), TOXO+KET+SDT, and CON (uninfected). After 10 weeks post-infection, behavioral tests were conducted, brain antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation were analyzed, and NMDA-NR1/NR2A expressions were assessed. TOXO and KET induced distinct behaviors: hyperlocomotion, anxiety, and memory impairment.
Results:
Antioxidant enzyme levels decreased, and lipid peroxidation increased in TOXO and schizophrenic mice brains. NMDAR downregulation, especially NR-1 and NR2A, was evident due to T. gondii and ketamine. Sulfadiazine-trimethoprim ameliorated NMDAR downregulation, but not all of the behavioral alterations.
Conclusion:
Further studies are needed to elucidate specific NMDAR subunit roles in toxoplasmosis-induced pathophysiology, offering potential therapeutic insights. This investigation highlights the intricate relationship between chronic toxoplasmosis, NMDAR dysfunction, and schizophrenia-like behaviors. Insights gained could pave the way for innovative interventions targeting both cognitive and neurological impairments associated with these conditions.

Key words: Antioxidant status, Behavioral alterations, Ketamine, Toxoplasma gondii