Maternal Influenza Viral Infection Causes Schizophrenia-Like Alterations of 5-HT 2A and mGlu 2 Receptors in the Adult Offspring
Journal of Neuroscience February 2, 2011 José L. Moreno, Mitsumasa Kurita, Terrell Holloway et al. 122 citations
Maternal infection with influenza virus in mice alters the expression of serotonin and glutamate receptors in the frontal cortex of adult offspring, leading to behavioral changes relevant to schizophrenia. The 5-HT 2A receptor is upregulated and the mGlu 2 receptor is downregulated. Offspring show increased head-twitch responses to hallucinogens and reduced antipsychotic-like effects of a glutamate agonist, along with altered signaling pathways. These findings suggest a biochemical link between prenatal viral infection and schizophrenia-related behaviors, potentially guiding new treatments.