Pre-pubertal clozapine administration prevents post-pubertal emergence of brain structural pathology in an animal model of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia involves progressive structural brain aberrations preceding the onset of symptoms. This raises the question whether schizophrenia can be prevented. We used an animal model to assess the efficacy of the atypical antipsychotic clozapine to prevent the neuroanatomical deterioration. Pregnant dams were injected with the viral mimic Poly-I:C. Offspring received preventive treatment with clozapine during adolescence. At adulthood rats were scanned using the 7T scanner (Bruker). The protocol included quantitative T2 mapping and DTI. Poly-I:C led to the emergence of hallmark structural abnormalities associated with schizophrenia. Some of these structural abnormalities were non-existent following peri-adolescence administration of clozapine.

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