Award details

Neural and behavioural sequelae of early social experience

Reference	BBS/E/B/47001120
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Lawrence Wilkinson
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Babraham Institute
Department	Babraham Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	207,830
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/1997
End date	31/03/2000
Duration	36 months

Abstract

Variations in early social experience can have enduring effects on the brain function and behaviour of several species, including primates. In the present work we will focus on two paradigms in the rodent; namely, isolation rearing and maternal separation. Both these procedures result in profound deficits in the adult animal, particularly with respect to sensorimotor/habituation processes and the control of behaviour by reward. Previous work has already illustrated the utility of the isolation rearing model in the development of novel antipsychotics and the essential anhedonia observed in maternally-deprived animals suggests some degree of construct validity for affective disorders such as depression. We will continue to define the behavioural specificity of isolation rearing and maternal separation but with an increased emphasis on the molecular basis of the behavioural changes. We will also examine the possibility that the impact of early social experience is sensitive to genetic background. This project addresses Foresight H&LS priorities in molecular Neuroscience and Integrative biology through its focus on genetic and environmental interactions in the expression of abnormal behaviours. Likely benefits and outputs: increased understanding of the mechanisms by which early social experience can lead to abnormal behaviours in adulthood and the importance of genetic background in these effects. Established predictive validity of isolation rearing model for identifying novel drugs to treat schizophrenia with low adverse side effects. Possibility of maternal separation model having utility in identifying novel antidepressants using our clinical collaboration with Dr. Matthews.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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