Tracing the development of psychosis and its prevention: What can be learned from animal models

► We model in rats the association of prenatal infection and liability to schizophrenia. ► In-vivo imaging reveals multiple brain structural abnormalities in the offspring. ► As brain pathology progresses, psychotic-like behaviors gradually emerge. ► Hippocampal volume loss in adolescence predicts “psychosis”. ► Atypical anti-psychotic drugs prevent both brain and behavioral abnormalities.