Plasma leptin levels in rats with induced Toxoplasma gondii infection

Background: To explore the changes in plasma leptin levels of rats with induced Toxoplasma gondii infection. Methods: The study was conducted on 20 Spraque-Dawley type adult male rats, which were equally divided into two groups. Group 1, general control group. Group 2, infection group (rats in this group were infected with live Toxoplasma gondii parasite, which was injected in 0.5 ml serum physiologic through intraperitoneal route, so that 10-12 parasites were seen in the area under a light microscope). Blood samples collected from all animals 4 weeks after the infection were analyzed to determine plasma leptin levels (RIA). Results: There was no signifi cant difference between the body weights of groups 1 and 2 at the end of the study. Plasma leptin levels in the infection group (group 2) were signifi cantly higher than those in group 1 (p<0.01). Conclusion: Toxoplasma gondii infection can cause an increase in leptin secretion without changing body weight in a period of 4 weeks in rats.