Perinatal SSRI exposure permanently alters cerebral serotonin receptor mRNA in mice but does not impact adult behaviors

Lauritz R. Meyer; Benjamin Dexter; Cecilia Lo; Elizabeth Kenkel; Takahito Hirai; Robert D. Roghair; Sarah E. Haskell

doi:10.1080/14767058.2017.1317342

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Perinatal SSRI exposure permanently alters cerebral serotonin receptor mRNA in mice but does not impact adult behaviors

Journal article

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Perinatal SSRI exposure permanently alters cerebral serotonin receptor mRNA in mice but does not impact adult behaviors

Lauritz R. Meyer, Benjamin Dexter, Cecilia Lo, Elizabeth Kenkel, Takahito Hirai, Robert D. Roghair and Sarah E. Haskell

The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine, Vol.31(11), pp.1393-1401

06/03/2018

DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1317342

PMCID: PMC6114087

PMID: 28385052

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/6114087View

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Abstract

Purpose: Associations have been made between maternal selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use during pregnancy and altered behavior in offspring, including an increased risk of autism. Given the important role serotonin plays in behavior, we hypothesized SSRI exposure in the perinatal period would alter central serotonin receptor expression and program adult behaviors in mice. Methods: Female mice were injected with sertraline or saline throughout pregnancy. Offspring continued to receive injections on postnatal days 1-14, a time period in mice similar to the third trimester in human pregnancy. Adult offspring underwent behavioral testing, and serotonin receptor mRNA levels were quantified. Results: Compared to controls, SSRI exposed mice did not have a reduction in social interactions, spatial learning, or exploratory behavior. As adults, sertraline exposed mice had significantly increased mRNA levels of multiple 5-HT receptors, serotonin transporter (5-HTT), and tryptophan hydroxylase isoform 2 in the cerebral cortex. Conclusion: Although no behavioral phenotype was observed, SSRI exposure in the perinatal period permanently alters cerebral receptor mRNA levels. We speculate these shifts in mRNA expression provide important compensation during SSRI exposure. Further pre-clinical and clinical investigation into additional serotonin-regulated phenotypes is necessary to further assess the long-term implications of perinatal SSRI exposure.

behavior

development

Maternal depression

mice

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Details

Title: Subtitle: Perinatal SSRI exposure permanently alters cerebral serotonin receptor mRNA in mice but does not impact adult behaviors
Creators: Lauritz R. Meyer - Sanford Health
Benjamin Dexter - University of Iowa
Cecilia Lo - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
Elizabeth Kenkel - University of Iowa
Takahito Hirai - Kindai University
Robert D. Roghair - University of Iowa
Sarah E. Haskell - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine, Vol.31(11), pp.1393-1401
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1317342
PMID: 28385052
PMCID: PMC6114087
NLM abbreviation: J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med
ISSN: 1476-7058
eISSN: 1476-4954
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Grant note: HD050359; HD027748 / National Institutes of Health Children's Miracle Network
Language: English
Date published: 06/03/2018
Academic Unit: Critical Care; Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Neonatology
Record Identifier: 9984354148302771

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