122. An investigation into the impact of pregnancy and stress on neuroimmune function and whether there is a link to postpartum depression

Abstract

There is strong evidence that the immune system changes dramatically during pregnancy in order to prevent the developing fetus from being attacked by the maternal immune system. As a result of these changes in immune function, many women that suffer from autoimmune disorders actually find significant relief from these diseases throughout pregnancy. Despite this strong evidence that the immune system changes dramatically during pregnancy, no one has examined whether changes in the immune system occur simultaneously in the brain or whether these changes in peripheral immune function alter brain function during pregnancy. It is well known that changes in immune function are often linked to the onset of certain mental health disorders, including depression. Thus our hypothesis is that changes in immune function that are associated with pregnancy and parturition might increase the risk of postpartum depression following birth. We are currently investigating the impact of pregnancy and parturition on pro-inflammatory molecules in the brain and how these may be altered following chronic stress. We have found significant changes in microglial and pro-inflammatory molecules within both the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus of pregnant and postpartum rats. Future experiments will examine how these same molecules might also change in response to immune challenge. We are also currently measuring behavioral endpoints that assess anxiety and depressive-like behaviors in these rats. Supported by R21MH101663.