Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its high-affinity receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling plays a key role in the brain neurodevelopment. The exposure of pregnant mice to polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] causes cognitive deficits in adult offspring. Supplementation with a TrkB agonist, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, in poly(I:C)-treated pregnant mice from pregnancy to weaning could prevent the onset of cognitive deficits and reduced BDNF–TrkB signaling in the prefrontal cortex of their adult offspring. These findings suggest that supplementation with a TrkB agonist in pregnant women with an ultra-high risk of psychosis may reduce the development of psychosis in their offspring.
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Acknowledgements
This work was supported by a Grant-in-Aid for the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) (Tokyo, Japan) (to K.H.) (Grant No 16F14711). Dr. Mei Han was supported by Postdoctoral Fellowship for Overseas Researchers of JSPS (Tokyo, Japan).
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Han, M., Zhang, Jc., Huang, XF. et al. Intake of 7,8-dihydroxyflavone from pregnancy to weaning prevents cognitive deficits in adult offspring after maternal immune activation. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 267, 479–483 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-017-0802-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-017-0802-1