Aminopeptidase activity in the brains of mice with chronic Toxoplasma gondii infections.
Aminopeptidase activity on beta-naphthylamide (NA) substrates was assayed in brain extracts from normal and Toxoplasma gondii-infected mice at 4 months postinfection. Correlations of levels of aminopeptidase activity, Toxoplasma-specific antibody production, and the number of brain cysts were studied in normal and Toxoplasma-infected mice. The Toxoplasma-specific antibody and the formation of cysts were markedly enhanced in the parasite-infected mice. The highest levels of activity for the NA substrates tested were observed in normal mice. In contrast, the activity levels were significantly lower in T. gondii-infected mice than in the corresponding normal mice. These results suggest an association between chronic toxoplasmosis and aminopeptidase activity in the parasite-infected host brain.
Akao
S
S
Department of Parasitology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan.
Yamakami
K
K
Nishiyama
M
M
Tanaka
M
M
D000626:Aminopeptidases / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000096:biosynthesis; D001921:Brain / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000469:parasitology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006868:Hydrolysis; D051379:Mice; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000276:immunology; D014124:Toxoplasmosis, Animal / Q000201:enzymology*
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan; D000626:Aminopeptidases