Social behaviour in rats developmentally deficient in Vitamin D: Modelling the negative symptoms of schizophrenia [ 2008 - 2012 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: A/Pr Thomas Burne (Principal investigator) ,  E/Pr Alan Mackay-Sim ,  Prof Darryl Eyles ,  Prof John Mcgrath

Brief description We are exploring low maternal vitamin D as a biological explanation for a 7-10% increase in the incidence of patients born with schizophrenia in the colder months of the year world wide. Developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency in rats leads to long term changes in brain development and behaviour. The aim of this research is to examine social behaviour in DVD deficient rats as a model of negative symptoms of schizophrenia and establish the neurochemical basis for this altered behaviour

Funding Amount $AUD 360,927.14

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant