Maternal omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids alter the fatty acid profile and schizophrenia-like deficits of a C57BL/6 MIA mouse model and their offspring

Abstract

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a complex neurodevelopment disorder linked to pre-natal and post-natal brain development. Maternal immune activation (MIA) and nutrition, particularly omega (n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), influence fetal brain development. This study investigates maternal n-3 PUFA intake during the third trimester and lactation in a C57BL/6 MIA mouse model, focusing on red blood cells (RBC) and brain cortex tissue fatty acid profile (for dams and adult offspring), along with SCZ-like behaviour changes (for dams, juvenile, and adult offspring). Pregnant C57BL/6 mice received lipopolysaccharides (0.1mg/kg) or saline on gestation day 14.5 and were fed a high or low (5.5%, or 1% of total fatty acids) n-3 PUFA diet (20%w/w fat) until post-natal day (PND) 21. All mice were then switched to standard chow diet. Behaviour tests were conducted after PND 21 and dams were sacrificed. Offspring continued on a chow diet, underwent behavioural testing after PND 60, and were then sacrificed. For the first time, I report MIA dams on a high n-3 PUFA diet had elevated RBC and brain n-3 PUFA levels, while adult offspring RBC and brain DHA remained unchanged. Maternal n-3 PUFA intake did not prevent SCZ-like behavioural deficits. Diminished adult effects of diet in dams underscore the need to maintain n-3 PUFA intake post-weaning.