Hyperactive behavior in female rats in utero-exposed to group B Streptococcus-induced inflammation. Issue 69 (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Allard, Marie-Julie; Brochu, Marie-Elsa; Bergeron, Julie D.; Sebire, Guillaume
• Is Part Of: International journal of developmental neuroscience. Issue 69(2018:Oct.)
• Page Start: 17
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Group B Streptococcus -- Placental inflammation -- Elevated-plus-maze -- Rotarod -- Rat -- Hyperactivity -- Disinhibition -- Chorioamnionitis -- Sex difference; Developmental neurobiology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurologie du développement -- Périodiques; Developmental neurobiology; Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2018.06.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0736-5748

Abstract

Highlights: End-gestational exposure to serotype Ia GBS impacted negatively maternal weight gain, but did not impact offspring's weight or mortality. Before puberty, no difference in terms of spontaneous motor activity, exploratory or anxiety-related behaviors was noticed. During puberty, GBS-exposed females – but not males – displayed forced motor impairments in the accelerating rotarod task. During adulthood, GBS-exposed females – but not males – displayed hyperlocomotion and decreased inhibition in the elevated-plus-maze test. Abstract: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is one the most common bacterium responsible of maternal infections during pregnancy. Offspring in utero -exposed to GBS-induced placental inflammation displayed sex-specific forebrain injuries. Sex differences have been reported in several neuropsychiatric disorders. Hence, we hypothesized that female rats in utero -exposed to GBS may present sex-specific neurobehavioral impairments. Lewis rats were injected intraperitoneally every 12 h from gestational day (G) 19 to G22 with either saline (controls) or inactivated serotype Ia GBS (10 9 CFU). Before puberty, no difference in terms of spontaneous motor activity, exploratory or anxiety-related behaviors was noticed between experimental conditions. During puberty, GBS-exposed females – but not males – performed worse than same-sex controls in a forced motor task. During adulthood, GBS-exposed females – but not males – displayed increased spontaneous locomotor activity and decreased inhibition. In conclusion, our findings show for the first time that adult females – but not males – in utero- exposed to GBS-induced inflammation presented a hyperactive and disinhibited phenotype emerging after puberty.