Project 9

Neonatal exposure to stress hormones in rats: effects on adult models of schizophrenia.

Previous research from this lab has shown that neonatal exposure of rats to agonists for the glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors normally activated by cortisol/ corticosterone (stress hormones) produces reductions in prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex, a characteristic associated with both schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder. Another animal model of schizophrenia involves sensitization to the behavioural effects of amphetamine. This research project will investigate the effects of exposure of neonatal rats to stress hormone receptor agonists on adult prepulse inhibition and responses to amphetamine.