Brain parasite affects reward producing chemical
November 6th, 2011 - 3:20 pm ICT by IANSLondon, Nov 6 (IANS) Brain parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which infects more than 60 million people in the US alone, directly affects the output of dopamine, a key chemical that controls our reward and pleasure centres.
The findings could shed light on treating human dopamine-based neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and Parkinson’s disease, says study investigator and biologist Glenn McConkey of the Leeds University.
Researchers found that the parasite spurs production and release of many times the normal amount of dopamine in infected brain cells, according to a Leeds statement.
Mice infected with T. gondii lose their innate fear of cats, increasing the chances of being caught and eaten, which enables the parasite to return to its main host to complete its life cycle.
The presence of a certain kind of dopamine receptor is also associated with sensation-seeking, whereas dopamine deficiency in humans results in Parkinson’s disease.
“Humans are accidental hosts to T. gondii and the parasite could end up anywhere in the brain,” said McConkey.
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