Abstract :
This study is a part of research series, carried out in our laboratory at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Mosul University, Iraq, aimed to explore the capability of Toxoplasma gondii for induction an oxidative stress status at different hosts and tissues. In present study, we deal with the placentae of ewes naturally infected with T. gondii at Mosul area, Iraq. The oxidative status have been estimated via the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a major products of lipid peroxidation, glutathione GSH) and, superoxide dismutase (SOD) as an antioxidant, in placental homogenates. In comparison with non infected placentae, results of this study indicate a significant elevation in MDA levels concomitant with a significant reduction in GSH and SOD levels in placentae of infected ewes. Histopathologic alterations of infected placentae have been mentioned too. In conclusion, this study provide further evidence on the capability of T. gondii to induce an oxidative stress status in infected host. Moreover, this oxidation status as well as the pathological changes seen in infected placentae may be the primitive cause for the abortion in infected ewes. Our future goal will be on the antioxidant status of T.gondii infected ewes.
