Genetic factors modulate effects of C-section birth on dopaminergic function in the rat.
Genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as perinatal complications are believed to contribute to the etiology of schizophrenia, a disorder involving enhanced CNS dopaminergic activity. This study used a rat model to test whether genetic factors and a minor birth complication, i.e. Caesarean section (C-section) birth, interact in producing longterm effects on dopamine-mediated behavior. For this, we compared the effects of vaginal and C-section birth on amphetamine (AMPT)-induced locomotor activity in strains of rats differing in genetic composition. In Sprague-Dawley rats, C-section birth increased AMPT-induced locomotion compared with vaginal birth. By contrast in Lewis rats, C-section birth reduced AMPT-induced locomotion compared with vaginal birth. In Fischer rats, AMPT-induced locomotion was increased by C-section under maternal anesthesia but decreased by C-section after maternal decapitation, compared with vaginal birth. It is concluded that a minor birth complication like C-section can have differing long-term effects on dopaminergic function in the rat, depending on the genetic composition of the individual.
Berger
N
N
Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Verdun, Quebec, Canada.
Vaillancourt
C
C
Boksa
P
P
D000661:Amphetamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical; D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D000818:Animals; D002585:Cesarean Section; D003655:Decerebrate State / Q000503:physiopathology; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D004298:Dopamine / Q000502:physiology*; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D007530:Isoflurane; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000502:physiology*; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors; D000661:Amphetamine; D007530:Isoflurane; D004298:Dopamine