Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic Poly(I:C)
07:13

Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic Poly(I:C)

Published on: March 25, 2016

Prenatal infectious and nutritional factors and risk of adult schizophrenia

Justin D Penner1, Alan S Brown

  • 1New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 23, New York, NY 10032, USA. jdp2010@columbia.edu

Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics
|July 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Identifying in utero exposures like infection and nutritional deficiencies is crucial for understanding schizophrenia

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder with unknown causes.
  • Neurodevelopmental factors are increasingly recognized in schizophrenia's etiology.
  • In utero exposures are emerging as significant risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify prenatal risk factors for schizophrenia.
  • To investigate the mechanisms linking exposures to schizophrenia vulnerability.
  • To explore potential prevention and treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Investigating in utero exposures (e.g., infection, nutrition).
  • Examining neurodevelopmental influences.
  • Analyzing molecular pathways involved in schizophrenia.

Main Results:

  • In utero exposures are linked to increased schizophrenia risk.
  • Neurodevelopmental alterations are implicated.
  • Specific mechanisms are being elucidated.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal exposures significantly impact schizophrenia risk.
  • Understanding these factors can guide preventative measures.
  • New therapeutic targets for schizophrenia may emerge from this research.

More Related Videos

Generating a Reproducible Model of Mid-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation using Poly(I:C) to Study Susceptibility and Resilience in Offspring09:09

Generating a Reproducible Model of Mid-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation using Poly(I:C) to Study Susceptibility and Resilience in Offspring

Published on: August 17, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Biological Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder, arises from a complex interplay of biological factors, including genetic predisposition, structural brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and developmental irregularities. These factors collectively contribute to the onset and progression of the disorder, which typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders01:27

Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders

Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins are rooted in complex genetic components. Despite our burgeoning understanding, the pathophysiology of this disorder remains incompletely deciphered.
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
Schizophrenia01:17

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a term introduced by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in 1911, describes a severe psychological disorder marked by profound disruptions in attention, thought processes, language, emotion, and interpersonal relationships. The core feature of schizophrenia is psychosis — a state characterized by a fundamental detachment from reality. This disconnection manifests through distorted logic, impaired perception, and atypical behavior, severely affecting the lives of those diagnosed.
Human Genetics01:28

Human Genetics

Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.