Investigating the Effects of Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Microglia and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes after Maternal Infection in Mice
| dc.contributor.author | Linnea, Poyhia | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-05-08T14:11:44Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-05-08T14:11:44Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system and perform many functions to maintain homeostasis throughout life. Viral infection during pregnancy activates the mother’s immune system, increasing inflammation and causing dysregulation of microglia in the developing brain. This state, called maternal immune activation (MIA), is a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia, which are widespread but face limited treatment options. We are using a mouse model of MIA to investigate non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as a potential preventative strategy for NDDs. The vagus nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system and reduces inflammation by regulating microglia. VNS uses electrical pulses to modulate vagus nerve signaling and replicate this effect. In the mouse model, pregnant mice were exposed to MIA and treated with VNS. We are evaluating offspring for behaviours associated with NDDs, and examining microglial density, morphology, and phagocytic interactions in the hippocampus using immunostaining and fluorescence microscopy. We expect to observe reduced NDD-like behaviour and microglial reactivity after VNS, as well as sex differences. This research will provide insights into the roles of microglia in NDDs and the potential of non-invasive VNS as an early intervention. | |
| dc.description.reviewstatus | Reviewed | |
| dc.description.scholarlevel | Undergraduate | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA) | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/1828/22186 | |
| dc.publisher | University Of Victoria | |
| dc.subject | microglia | |
| dc.subject | neurodevelopmental disorders | |
| dc.subject | hippocampus | |
| dc.subject | prenatal infection | |
| dc.subject | vagus nerve stimulation | |
| dc.subject | mice | |
| dc.title | Investigating the Effects of Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Microglia and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes after Maternal Infection in Mice | |
| dc.type | Poster |