Depressive-like behavior and impaired synaptic plasticity in the prefrontal cortex as later consequences of prenatal hypoxic-ischemic insult in rats

Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is a condition in which there is a significant reduction in the supply of oxygen and nutrients to a tissue or organ of the fetus. It is one of the main causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Of those who survive, 25% may have cognitive delay, motor dysfunction, epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Infants diagnosed with HI encephalopathy develop lasting sequelae, including depression, in adulthood. The leading theory for the biological basis of depression is that of a deficiency of monoamine neurotransmitters, in particular dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a region involved in emotional and social processes.