The evaluation of CXCL4 chemokine expression in the brain of Toxoplasma gondii RH strain infected mice

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii often migrates to the CNS (central nervous system), producing a serious inflammation called toxoplasmic encephalitis. Methods: The main objective of the present study was to investigate the pathway of inflammation in the brains of mice induced by acute T. gondii infection, focusing on the expression of CXCL-4 chemokine. To do this, experimental encephalitis was induced in mice by inoculating tachyzoites of three different species of Toxoplasma gondii. After extraction of RNA and cDNA synthesis as well as serum isolation, expression of CXCL-4 chemokine gene in brain tissue of infected mice and serum chemokine protein were measured by Real Time PCR and ELISA, respectively. Brain tissue was also examined for pathological change. Results: The results of the present study showed that the levels of CXCL-4 gene in brain tissue increased in RH toxoplasma compared to PBS control group, while in the other two species there was a significant decrease. However, serum CXCL-4 levels were significantly increased in mice infected with all three strains.