Trypanosoma brucei and the nervous system.
Trends Neurosci
; 17(8): 325-9, 1994 Aug.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-7526499
ABSTRACT
African sleeping sickness, characterized by a peculiar pain syndrome and prominent neuropsychiatric symptoms, is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei (T.b.). In experimental T.b. infections, a molecule released from the trypanosomes has been isolated that binds to the CD8 molecule of T cells, whereby T cells are activated to secrete interferon gamma. This cytokine binds to the parasites and triggers them to proliferate, establishing a peculiar bidirectional activating signal system. The hypothesis is presented that the molecules involved in these bidirectional signals might also interact with neurons, thus causing brain dysfunctions. Studies on the molecular interactions between parasites and the nervous system in sleeping sickness might reveal basic mechanisms underlying other neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Trypanosoma brucei brucei
/
Tripanosomiasis Africana
/
Enfermedades del Sistema Nervioso
Límite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Trends Neurosci
Año:
1994
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Italia