Perinatal inflammation and adult psychopathology: From preclinical models to humans

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• The perinatal environment significantly influences lifelong brain function.
• Perinatal infection and immune activation are linked to psychiatric disorders.
• Animal models demonstrate perinatal inflammation's impact on behaviors relevant to schizophrenia, autism, anxiety, and depression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the mechanisms by which perinatal inflammation affects adult brain function.
• To understand the interplay between the perinatal environment and inflammation in brain development.
• To review the roles of the peripheral immune system, glia, and epigenetic mechanisms in programming behavior.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological studies and clinical reports.
• Analysis of accumulating evidence from animal models.
• Discussion of research on peripheral immune system, glia, and epigenetic mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Perinatal inflammation can lead to behavioral and brain function alterations relevant to psychiatric disorders.
• Diverse inflammatory events can yield similar neurological consequences, irrespective of stimulus type or developmental timing.
• Environmental factors like diet and stress can also induce inflammatory responses impacting behavior.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the complex interplay of perinatal environment and inflammation is crucial for identifying mechanisms of neurodevelopmental programming.
• The peripheral immune system, glia, and epigenetic modifications play significant roles in how perinatal inflammation affects brain function.
• This knowledge is vital for developing strategies to prevent or mitigate psychiatric disorders linked to perinatal exposures.