Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic Poly(I:C)

Ke-Huan Chow; Zihao Yan; Wei-Li Wu

doi:10.3791/53643

La inducción de la activación inmune materna en ratones en la etapa mitad de la gestación con Vir...

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Immunology and Infection

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JoVE Journal Immunology and Infection

Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic Poly(I:C)

La inducción de la activación inmune materna en ratones en la etapa mitad de la gestación con Viral Mimic poli (I: C)

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07:13 min

March 25, 2016

DOI: 10.3791/53643-v

Ke-Huan Chow*¹, Zihao Yan*^1,2, Wei-Li Wu¹

¹Division of Biology and Biological Engineering,California Institute of Technology, ²Harvard Medical School

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Overview

This article outlines a procedure for inducing maternal immune activation (MIA) in pregnant mice, a model relevant to autism and schizophrenia research. The method aims to enhance reproducibility in studies investigating the impact of immune dysfunction on brain development and behavior.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neuro-immunology
Autism research
Schizophrenia research

Background

MIA serves as an environmental risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Understanding MIA can provide insights into the relationship between immune response and brain function.
Small variations in MIA induction can lead to significant differences in offspring outcomes.
This model is crucial for studying the mechanisms underlying autism and schizophrenia.

Purpose of Study

To provide a detailed protocol for inducing MIA in mice.
To facilitate reproducibility in research involving MIA.
To explore the effects of immune activation on neurodevelopment.

Methods Used

Intraperitoneal injection of a viral mimic at mid-gestation.
Timed mating of female mice to synchronize estrous cycles.
Housing arrangements to ensure proper mating conditions.
Monitoring and recording body weight of mice.

Main Results

The procedure allows for consistent induction of MIA.
Research findings can elucidate the role of immune dysfunction in neurodevelopment.
Enhanced understanding of behavioral changes in offspring.
Potential implications for therapeutic strategies in autism and schizophrenia.

Conclusions

Inducing MIA in pregnant mice is a valuable research tool.
Reproducibility is critical for reliable scientific outcomes.
This model can advance knowledge in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is maternal immune activation?

Maternal immune activation (MIA) refers to the immune response triggered in a pregnant mother, which can influence fetal brain development.

How is MIA induced in mice?

MIA is induced in mice through intraperitoneal injection of a viral mimic during the mid-gestational period.

Why is MIA important for autism research?

MIA is considered an environmental risk factor that may contribute to the development of autism, making it crucial for understanding the disorder.

What are the challenges in studying MIA?

Small variations in the induction method can lead to significant differences in the outcomes observed in the offspring, posing challenges for researchers.

What are the potential implications of MIA research?

Research on MIA can provide insights into therapeutic strategies for autism and schizophrenia by understanding the underlying mechanisms.

How does MIA affect brain development?

MIA can disrupt normal brain development processes, leading to behavioral and cognitive changes in offspring.

La activación inmunitaria materna (MIA) es un modelo para un factor de riesgo ambiental de autismo y esquizofrenia. El objetivo de este artículo es proporcionar un procedimiento paso a paso de cómo inducir MIA en ratones preñados con el fin de mejorar la reproducibilidad de este modelo.

El objetivo general de este procedimiento es inducir la activación inmunitaria materna, o MIA, en ratones mediante la inyección intraperitoneal del poli imitador viral en la etapa embrionaria de gestación media. Este método puede ayudarnos a responder preguntas clave en el campo de la neuroinmunología, como por ejemplo, cómo la disfunción inmunitaria puede provocar perturbaciones en el desarrollo y el comportamiento del cerebro. La principal ventaja de esta técnica es que está diseñada específicamente para investigadores interesados en estudiar la MIA como factor de riesgo ambiental para el autismo y la esquizofrenia.

Por lo general, los individuos nuevos en este método tendrán dificultades, porque pequeñas diferencias en el método de inducción de MIA pueden alterar significativamente la respuesta posterior en la descendencia. Para establecer una pareja de apareamiento cronometrada, comience por alojar cinco ratones hembra por jaula uno al lado del otro en jaulas de ratones estándar para sincronizar sus ciclos de estra, y use un punzón en la oreja para etiquetar a cada animal. De cero a dos horas antes de que comience el ciclo de oscuridad, aloje a los ratones hembra dos en una jaula y pese y registre el peso corporal de cada ratón individual, luego agregue un ratón macho por jaula de dos ratones hembra.

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