overall animal research
A variety of models simulate the defects of schizophrenia, which are often categorized into pharmacological, developmental, lesion, and genetic models. These models can range from attempts to imitate the full extent of schizophrenia's symptoms, or to investigate antipsychotic drugs' efficacy. Mice and rodents are used for most to all of these purposes:
Geyer, M. (2002) Chapter 50: Animal Models Relevant to Schizophrenia Disorders. Retrieved April 20, 2017 from http://www.acnp.org/asset.axd?id=9de0486d-4498-46e5-973a-343d67f97a36
- Knockout mice-
- Genetically modified mouse where researchers have inactivated an existing gene by replacing or disrupting it
- Used for identifying possible genes associated with schizophrenia and eliminating other genes
- Genetically modified mouse where researchers have inactivated an existing gene by replacing or disrupting it
- Rats-
- Have a specific social organization within colonies
- Pups are placed in separate cages and later show behavioral changes as adults and altered neural development
- Used to test impact of environmental factors on risk of developing schizophrenia
- Treated with amphetamine to model some symptoms including hyperactivity, cognitive abnormalities associated with the prefrontal cortext
- Used to test effects of antipsychotics
- Ventral part of hippocampus with neonatal lesions in rats is widely studied; these rats mimic many symptoms of schizophrenia in detail
- Behavioral deficits caused by the lesions include aggression and social interaction abnormalities
- Pups are placed in separate cages and later show behavioral changes as adults and altered neural development
- Have a specific social organization within colonies
Geyer, M. (2002) Chapter 50: Animal Models Relevant to Schizophrenia Disorders. Retrieved April 20, 2017 from http://www.acnp.org/asset.axd?id=9de0486d-4498-46e5-973a-343d67f97a36
Individual research studies
MATRICS Initiative |
Toxoplasma Gondii and Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia: An Animal Model Perspective |
The MATRICS initiative is a research group that works with schizophrenic patients to determine the core cognitive deficits. At this current point in research, work has begun to identify specific mice and rat behavioural tests that directly translate to areas within the brain that are specifically affected by schizophrenia, and the review also looks for potential use of antipsychotics during these tasks.
Caleb C. |
Epidemiological evidence largely indicates microbial pathogens contribute to cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia. With cognitive deficits being a core feature of schizophrenia, using animal models in the research of the T. gondii infection may aid in increasing understanding of cognitive dysfunction. A study involving chronically infected, adult female and male rats showed how the infection caused impaired learning as compared to uninfected controls. A labyrinth test was used, and results were found as early as 2 days post-infection. The T. gondii infection impaired learning and memory in those both acute and chronically infected. Rodent models of cognitive dysfunction associated with this infection disease are important for advancing knowledge of molecular pathogenesis and therapeutic development. Available data suggest T. gondii infection may contribute to cognitive deficits in schizophrenic people, and using animal model will allow further testing and advancement in this area of research. Hannah P. Kannan, G. (Nov. 2012). Toxoplasma gondii and cognitive defects in schizophrenia: an animal model perspective. Retrieved April 12, 2017 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3494063/ |