Fig. 7
From: β-Glucan alleviates goal-directed behavioral deficits in mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii
Graphical summary of the protective effect of β-glucan on the cognitive impairment induced by T. gondii Wh6. a Toxoplasma gondii Wh6 tends to infect the prefrontal cortex after passing through the brain. b Toxoplasma gondii Wh6 induces the activation of microglia and astrocytes and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, which subsequently exacerbate the neuroinflammation. c The presence of T. gondii reduced synapse-related proteins, such as SYN and PSD-95, thereby affecting the information transmission capacity of synapses. d Toxoplasma gondii Wh6 affects pyramidal neuron integrity by impairing dendritic spine density. e Taking all elements together, the decline of cognitive function is induced. Red arrows represent events induced by T. gondii infection; green arrows represent the amelioration by β-glucan adminstration