Subjects: Biology >> Biophysics >> Neurosciences submitted time 2016-05-12
Abstract： The prefrontal cortex is implicated in cognitive functioning and schizophrenia. Prefrontal dysfunction is closely associated with the symptoms of schizophrenia. In addition to the features typical of schizophrenia, patients also present with aspects of cognitive disorders. Based on these relationships, a monkey model mimicking the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia has been made using treatment with the non-specific competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, phencyclidine. The symptoms are ameliorated by atypical antipsychotic drugs such as clozapine. The beneficial effects of clozapine on behavioral impairment might be a specific indicator of schizophrenia-related cognitive impairment.
Peer Review Status:
Awaiting Review
Subjects: Biology >> Biophysics >> Biochemistry & Molecular Biology submitted time 2016-05-11
Abstract： Exposure of pregnant females to strong prenatal stress generally induces psychotic-like behavioral impairments in their offspring. In contrast to strong stress exposure, mild prenatal stress exposure (MPSE) has been reported to increase the vulnerability of the nervous system to adverse environmental stimuli. However, the impacts of MPSE on treatment with antipsychotic medication have not been well investigated. In addition, although commonly utilized in animal experiments, the potential influences of injections per se on animal behavior have not been evaluated. Here, we investigated how MPSE, postnatal injections and olanzapine (OLZ) treatment might interact to affect the behavior of rats. Pregnant female rats were exposed to mild stress or left undisturbed during the last week of gestation. Their offspring were divided into three sub-groups and subjected to injections with saline or OLZ (2 mg/kg) on postnatal days (PDs) 7, 9 and 11 or were left undisturbed without injection. Social and olfactory discrimination tests were performed during adolescent (PD 35) and adult (PD 60) periods. Total exploratory time and the degree of preference in the discrimination tests were measured. We found that postnatal injections changed the degree of preference in adolescent prenatally stressed rats but had no effect on the degree of preference in the non-stressed rats. OLZ treatment increased the social exploratory time in the non-stressed rats during the adolescent and adult periods. However, these enhancing effects were diminished in the prenatally stressed rats. Our results indicate that MPSE could contribute to the behavioral changes induced by adverse stimuli such as postnatal injections and could reduce the treatment effects of antipsychotic medication.
Peer Review Status:Awaiting Review
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