Behavioural deficits associated with maternal immune activation in the rat model of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is associated with changes in memory and contextual processing. As maternal infection is a risk factor in schizophrenia we tested for these impairments in a maternal immune activation (MIA) animal model. MIA rats displayed impaired object recognition memory, despite intact object discrimination, and a reduced reinstatement of rearing in response to a contextual manipulation. These results link MIA to contextual impairments in schizophrenia, possibly through changes in hippocampal function.

► The MIA model produces schizophrenia-like memory impairment in rats. ► MIA produces a reduced reinstatement of rearing after a change in context. ► MIA animals show a less persistent reinstatement of rearing after contextual change. ► MIA is associated with schizophrenia-like contextual processing impairments. ► These impairments may be associated with damage to the hippocampus or its afferents.