LAUSR

BACKGROUND Studies have shown the relationship neuroinflammation and depressive-like parameters. However, research has not still been carried out to evaluate the neuroinflammation in the neonatal period and psychiatric disorders in adulthood. OBJECTIVE To verify the association between neonatal immune activation and depressive-like parameters in the adulthood using an animal as model. METHODS Two days old C57BL/6 animals were exposed to LPS or PBS. When the animals completed 46 days old, they received PBS or Imipramine for 14 days. At the age of 60 days, it was evaluated the consumption of sucrose; immobility time; adrenal gland and the hippocampus weight; levels of plasma corticosterone and hippocampal BDNF. RESULTS It was observed that the animals exposed to LPS in the neonatal period and evaluated in adulthood had a decrease in the consumption of sucrose; an increase of immobility time; reduction of hippocampus weight; an increase of adrenal gland weight; and an increase in plasma levels of corticosteroids. The use of imipramine only did not modify the decreased hippocampal weight. On the other hand, there were no alterations in the BDNF levels in hippocampus with or without the use of imipramine. CONCLUSION These results suggest that neonatal immune activation may be associated with depressive-like parameters in adulthood. It is believed that endotoxemia may trigger physiological and behavioral alterations, increasing vulnerability to the development of depression in adulthood.