Developmental vitamin D deficiency and prefrontal cortical dysfunction [ 2012 - 2015 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Darryl Eyles (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Thomas Burne ,  Prof John Mcgrath

Brief description The cause of schizophrenia is unknown but is believed to be due to abnormal brain development. Dopamine abnormalities are central to schizophrenia. We have developed a model of maternal vitamin D deficiency in rats, based on disease epidemiology that shows individuals that have low levels of vitamin D at birth have an increased risk of developing schizophrenia later in life. We now also show dopamine systems in regions associated with cognition may develop abnormally in our animal model.

Funding Amount $AUD 355,570.09

Funding Scheme Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant