Dietary long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids prevent impaired social behaviour and normalize brain dopamine levels in food allergic mice. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de Theije, Caroline G.M.; van den Elsen, Lieke W.J.; Willemsen, Linette E.M.; Milosevic, Vanja; Korte-Bouws, Gerdien A.H.; Lopes da Silva, Sofia; Broersen, Laus M.; Korte, S.Mechiel; Olivier, Berend; Garssen, Johan; Kraneveld, Aletta D.
• Is Part Of: Neuropharmacology. Volume 90(2015)
• Page Start: 15
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Autism spectrum disorders -- Dopamine -- Food allergy -- Long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids -- Prefrontal cortex -- Serotonin -- Social behaviour; Neuropsychopharmacology -- Periodicals; Autonomic Agents -- Periodicals; Neuropsychopharmacologie -- Périodiques; Neuropsychopharmacology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 615.78
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.11.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0028-3908

Abstract

Abstract: Allergy is suggested to exacerbate impaired behaviour in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. We have previously shown that food allergy impaired social behaviour in mice. Dietary fatty acid composition may affect both the immune and nervous system. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) on food allergy-induced impaired social behaviour and associated deficits in prefrontal dopamine (DA) in mice. Mice were fed either control or n-3 LCPUFA-enriched diet before and during sensitization with whey. Social behaviour, acute allergic skin response and serum immunoglobulins were assessed. Monoamine levels were measured in brain and intestine and fatty acid content in brain. N-3 LCPUFA prevented impaired social behaviour of allergic mice. Moreover, n-3 LCPUFA supplementation increased docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) incorporation into the brain and restored reduced levels of prefrontal DA and its metabolites 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, 3-methoxytyramine and homovanillic acid in allergic mice. In addition to these brain effects, n-3 LCPUFA supplementation reduced the allergic skin response and restored decreased intestinal levels of serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in allergic mice. N-3 LCPUFA may have beneficial effects on food allergy-induced deficits in social behaviour, either indirectly by reducing the allergic response and restoring intestinal 5-HT signalling, or directly by DHA incorporation into neuronal membranes, affecting the DA system. Therefore, it is of interest to further investigate the relevance of food allergy-enhanced impairments in social behaviour in humans and the potential benefits of dietary n-3 LCPUFA supplementation. Highlights: Food allergy-induced impairments in social behaviour in mice are prevented by n-3 LCPUFA. N-3 LCPUFA supplementation increased DHA incorporation in the brain. N-3 LCPUFA supplementation restored dopamine metabolism in the prefrontal cortex. The acute allergic skin response was reduced by n-3 LCPUFA supplementation. Reduced breakdown of intestinal 5-HT was reduced by n-3 LCPUFA supplementation.