Parasite Manipulation Of Brain Monoamines In California Killifish (Fundulus Parvipinnis)

Main Category: Veterinary
Also Included In: Biology / Biochemistry
Article Date: 17 Dec 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Our study examines the neural mechanisms underlying behavior of the California killifish (Fundulus parvipinnis) by its brain parasite Euhaplorchis californiensis.

Infected killifish display conspicuous swimming behaviors, which render them more susceptible to predation by birds - the parasite's final hosts. Infected killifish showed changes in the activity of the monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, in specific brain regions.

These changes were strongly parasite density-dependent, suggesting that altered monoaminergic metabolism may explain behavioral differences leading to increased predation of infected killifish by their final host predators.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Proceedings B is the Royal Society's flagship biological research journal, dedicated to the rapid publication and broad dissemination of high-quality research papers, reviews and comment and reply papers. The scope of journal is diverse and is especially strong in organismal biology.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences