Inhibition of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1/2 prevented cognitive impairment and energetic metabolism changes in the hippocampus of adult rats subjected to polymicrobial sepsis

•Activation of IDO by sepsis induces long-term cognitive impairment.•IDO inhibition prevented memory impairment after sepsis induction.•IDO inhibition prevented changes in energetic metabolism triggered by sepsis.

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection that may affect the brain. We investigated the role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO-1/2) inhibition on long-term memory and energetic metabolism after experimental sepsis by caecal ligation and perforation (CLP). Experimental sepsis increased the activity of complexes I, II-III and IV at 24 h after CLP, and IDO-1/2 inhibition normalized the activity of these complexes in the hippocampus. Wistar rats presented impairment of habituation and aversive memories 10 days after CLP. Adjuvant treatment with the IDO inhibitor prevented long-term cognitive impairment triggered by sepsis.

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