Scientists discover viral link to schizophrenia

UNBORN offspring can be predisposed to schizophrenia by viral infection in the womb, research has shown.

The discovery, made in rats, could explain a suspected link between flu and the mental illness.

Previous research has indicated that women who contract flu while pregnant may give birth to babies at increased risk of schizophrenia in later life.

The study, reported in the journal Biological Psychiatry, also suggests early use of drugs can stop the illness developing.

Scientists in Israel exposed pregnant rats to a chemical that mimics the infectious properties of a virus.

Brain scans were then used to monitor the progress of their offspring.

The study showed affected rat pups were normal at birth and during adolescence, but in early adulthood began to show schizophrenia-like symptoms.

A similar pattern is seen in humans, who typically experience the first signs of the disease at around the age of 20.

The scans showed changes associated with schizophrenia, including enlarged ventricles – fluid-filled cavities in the brain.

Treating at-risk rats with two commonly usedantipsychotic drugs, risperidone and clozapine, appeared to counter the effects.

Study leader Professor Ina Weiner, from the Department of Psychology at Tel Aviv University, said: “If progressive brain changes occur as schizophrenia is emerging, it is possible that these changes could be prevented by early intervention. That would revolutionise the treatment of the disorder.”

It was the first time the drugs had been shown to be effective as a preventative treatment, she said.

The drugs worked best when delivered during the rats’ “adolescent” period, several months before they reached full maturity, she said.

Currently antipsychotic drugs are only prescribed to people suffering from symptoms. Prof Weiner is conducting furtherresearch to determine at what point changes in the brain can be detected.