Ventriculomegaly and reduced hippocampal volume following intrauterine growth-restriction: Implications for the aetiology of schizophrenia

Abstract

Structural alterations in the brains of some schizophrenic patients suggest an impairment of brain development, possibly as a result of intrauterine compromise. In this study we have tested the hypothesis that placental insufficiency during the second half of pregnancy in the guinea pig results in structural alterations similar to those seen in some schizophrenic patients. Placental insufficiency was induced in pregnant guinea pigs via uterine artery ligation at midgestation. At 60 days gestation (term: 68 days gestation) the fetal brains were prepared for quantitative histological and immunohistochemical analysis and compared with controls. Placental insufficiency resulted in growth-restric..