Posted on 01/22/2006 4:38:30 PM PST by Virginia-American
Researchers have found stronger evidence for a link between a parasite in cat faeces and undercooked meat and an increased risk of schizophrenia.
Research published today in Procedings of the Royal Society B, shows how the invasion or replication of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii in rats may be inhibited by using anti-psychotic or mood stabilising drugs.
The researchers tested anti-psychotic and mood stabilising medications used for the treatment of schizophrenia on rats infected with T. gondii and found they were as, or more, effective at preventing behaviourial alterations as anti-T. gondii drugs. This led them to believe that T. gondii may have a role in the development of some cases of schizophrenia.
Dr Joanne Webster from Imperial College London, and lead researcher said: "Although we are certainly not saying that exposure to this parasite does definitely lead to the development of schizophrenia, this and previous studies do show there may be a link in a few individuals, providing new clues for how we treat toxoplasmosis and schizophrenia."
Previous epidemiological and neuropathological studies have indicated some cases of schizophrenia may be associated with environmental factors, such as exposure to the parasite T. gondii. At the same time several of the medications used to treat schizophrenia have been shown to posess anti-parasitic and in particular anti-T.gondii properties. This led the authors to suspect that the anti-psychotic activity of these medications may be due to their inhibition of these parasites.
When the rats were given Haloperidol, an anti-psychotic, and Valporic acid, a mood stabiliser, the behavioural symptoms of T.gondii were reduced. They found the drugs were able to limit the suicidal feline attraction by which the rats became less aware of the dangers of cats.
Dr Joanne Webster added: "By showing that drugs used to treat schizophrenia affect the parasite T. gondii, this does provide further evidence for its role in the development of some cases schizophrenia. It may be that anti-psychotic drugs work partly by parasite inhibition, and this could lead to new medicine and treatment combinations."
The researchers have already begun human clinical trials using anti-T. gondii treatments as adjunct therapies for schizophrenia with researchers at Johns Hopkins University.
Notes to editors:
1. Parasites as causative agents of human affective disorders? The impact of anti-psychotic, mood stabiliser and anti-parasite medication on Toxoplasma gondiis ability to later host behaviour, Procedings of the Royal Society B.
2. Consistently rated in the top three UK university institutions, Imperial College London is a world leading science-based university whose reputation for excellence in teaching and research attracts students (11,000) and staff (6,000) of the highest international quality. Innovative research at the College explores the interface between science, medicine, engineering and management and delivers practical solutions that enhance the quality of life and the environment - underpinned by a dynamic enterprise culture.
Roses are red,
Violets are blue.
I'm schizophrenic
And so am I.
Actually, that poem plays on the longstanding popular confusion between schizophrenia and dissociative reaction, the Three Faces of Eve multiple-personality disorder. A subtle point so it's no surprise I have to explain it.
In my mind they're inseparable. But even if you gave me a poop-less cat (kinda like a seedless watermelon) I still wouldn't want the thing. Dogs are noble creatures.
Apparently this is not a brand new theory http://cogweb.ucla.edu/ep/Schizovirus.html , lending credence to the idea of some sort of connection. But it would almost certainly be a prenatal connection, not due to later exposure, and would have to be at a specific stage of pregnancy. At least 30% of the US population has antibodies to the toxoplasma parasite, meaning they have been infected with it at some point, and we obviously don't have anywhere near that many schizophrenics.
However, if you read the info towards the end of the above-linked article, re toxoplasmosis in AIDS patients, another angle shows up. The effect may be due not just to the presence of the toxoplasma parasite, but to the failure of the mother's immune system to effectively ward off/limit the parasite, and this would be determined by a lot of other things that have an effect on the performance of the immune system: stress, poor nutrition, alcohol/drug abuse, etc. That would be consistent with the demographics of schizophrenia, which is more common in lower socioeconomic classes.
Ingratiating creatures, yes. To win the love of a dog is the work of opening a can. To win the love of a cat is a never-ending struggle.
And hardly worth it. Suppose the wretched creature loves you -- what then? Can you hunt with it? Will it guard your house? No, it just craps on your couch and vomits hairballs.
Can you please add me to the Cat Faeces ping list?
Well, that's some pussy you've got there.
*************
LOL! Indeed.
My male cousin died from Nephritis. He never smelled of amonia.
Yoi, double yoi!
Took in two new young kitties in the house the last few days .............. I've been cleaning up so much cat poop that I don't even know who I am these days.
Get it?
Thanks, Cecil is always worth reading.
His source says that T. gondii may produce LSD in the brain. Talk about a bad trip!
It does kind of explain the way the DUmmies behave.
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