The effect of Brucella abortus on glial activation and cell death in adult male rat's hippocampus

Abstract

A zoonotic disease called brucellosis can cause flu-like symptoms and heart inflammation. The bacteria responsible for this disease can also enter the brain, causing a condition called neurobrucellosis that can result in long-term neurological problems. In this study, researchers aimed to determine the changes in the hippocampal cells of rats infected with Brucella. For the study, 24 adult male albino rats were inoculated with 1 × 10⁶ CFU Brucella abortus 544. The rats were then deeply anesthetized, and their hippocampus samples were taken for stereological, histological, and molecular studies. The results showed that the infected rats had increased microgliosis and astrogliosis. Furthermore, a high level of caspase-3 in their hippocampal tissue indicated their susceptibility to apoptosis. Additionally, there was a decrease in expression of Ki67, which further supported this. Sholl's analysis confirmed a significant failure in glial morphology. The study demonstrated that the pathogen has the ability to destroy the hippocampus and potentially affect its normal physiology. However, more research is needed to clarify various aspects of neurobrucellosis.