Characterization of an animal model of cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. Effets of alpha2-adrenoceptor compounds.

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a multi multifaceted, heterogeneous, chronic and debilitating disorder triggered by a series of interacting genetic, developmental and environmental factors. Cognitive impairment is considered a core feature of this disorder and highly dependent on the correct functioning of the prefrontal cortex, however, current antipsychotics lack efficacy for treating this condition. Prenatal exposure to infection is contemplated as one the most significant environmental risk factors for developing schizophrenia in the offspring. In this context, maternal immune activation animal models produce neurochemical and behavioral alterations considered relevant for the study of schizophrenia dysfunctions.The first part of this thesis consists of a neurochemical and behavioral characterization of an animal model of cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia by the administration of the immunostimulant agent Poly (I:C). The second part involves the study of the effects of ¿2-adrenoceptor compounds on cognitive performance in the offspring. Finally, selective targeting of the locus coeruleus-prefrontal cortex circuit by different optogenetic approaches was performed.The Poly (I:C) animal model shows a catecholaminergic hypofunction in the prefrontal cortex with marked cognitive deficits, which are reversed by the administration of 2A-adrenoceptor agonist guanfacine and the 2C-adrenoceptor antagonist MK-912.These results support the important role of the noradrenergic system in the prefrontal cortex-dependent cognitive functions and the Poly (I:C) animal model as a promising translational model of cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia.