The Influence of the Trematode Paragonimus cf. westermani on NO- and HIF-1α-Containing Structures in the Brain of the Crab Eriocheir japonica (De Haan, 1835) Decapoda: Varunidae

Abstract

The influence of the trematode Paragonimus cf. westermani on the NO- and HIF-1α-containing structures in nerve centers of the brain, depending on degree of infection and behavioral responses, has been studied in the crab Eriocheir japonica (De Haan, 1835). The NO-ergic activity in the brain has been found to increase in crabs with a low level of infection and decrease in individuals with a high level of infection. In addition, an increased HIF-1α-immunoreactivity in neurons and hemocytes of the brain has been detected in crabs that show a high level of infection and modified behavior. The involvement of NO and HIF-1α in the induction of brain tolerance and in the pathological states of the brain formed due to parasitic influences is discussed.