Maternal immune activation during the lactational period alters offspring behavior, reproductive development, and...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Early-life infection can cause lasting neurodevelopmental changes.
• Maternal immune activation (MIA) models typically focus on prenatal exposure.
• Lactational period infections also impact offspring neurodevelopment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of lactational maternal immune activation (MIA) on offspring neurobehavior and immune function.
• To adapt rat MIA models for use in mice during the nursing period.
• To assess the long-term consequences of postpartum maternal infection on offspring.

Main Methods:

• Nursing C57BL/6J mouse mothers were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline on postnatal day 8.
• Offspring neurobehavior was assessed at juvenile and adult stages.
• Immune function was evaluated in adulthood following a secondary LPS challenge.

Main Results:

• Lactational MIA did not impair maternal care but induced maternal sickness.
• Neonatal offspring behaviors were unaffected.
• Juvenile and adult offspring exhibited altered social preference, reproductive milestones, mechanical allodynia, and prepulse inhibition.
• Lactational MIA programmed offspring immune function, leading to altered cytokine and leukocyte profiles after an adult LPS challenge.

Conclusions:

• Lactational MIA is a valid model across species, demonstrating lasting neurodevelopmental and immune effects.
• Postpartum maternal infections can have significant, long-term consequences for offspring.
• Supporting caregiver health during the nursing period is crucial for offspring well-being.