Journal Article

Effects of beta-hydroxybutyrate administration on MK-801-induced schizophrenia-like behaviour in mice

Ann-Katrin, Kraeuter, Suvarna Aditya, Sarnyai Zoltán, van den Buuse Maarten, Tadiwa, Mashavave

2020

Overview

RationaleImpaired cerebral glucose metabolism is a core pathological feature of schizophrenia. We recently demonstrated that a ketogenic diet, causing a shift from glycolysis to ketosis, normalized schizophrenia-like behaviours in an acute N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist model of the illness. Ketogenic diet produces the ketone body, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), which may serve as an alternative fuel source in its own right without a strict dietary regime.ObjectiveWe hypothesized that chronic administration of BHB replicates the therapeutic effects of ketogenic diet in an acute NMDA receptor hypofunction model of schizophrenia in mice.MethodsC57Bl/6 mice were either treated with acute doses of 2 mmol/kg, 10 mmol/kg, or 20 mmol/kg BHB or received daily intraperitoneal injections of 2 mmol/kg BHB or saline for 3 weeks. Behavioural testing assessed the effect of acute challenge with 0.2 mg/kg MK-801 or saline on open field behaviour, social interaction, and prepulse inhibition of startle (PPI).ResultsAcute BHB administration dose-dependently increased BHB plasma levels, whereas the 2 mmol/kg dose increased plasma glucose levels. The highest acute dose of BHB supressed spontaneous locomotor activity, MK-801-induced locomotor hyperactivity and MK-801-induced disruption of PPI. Chronic BHB treatment normalized MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion, reduction of sociability, and disruption of PPI.ConclusionIn conclusion, BHB may present a novel treatment option for patients with schizophrenia by providing an alternative fuel source to normalize impaired glucose metabolism in the brain.

• Publisher: Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Diet / Dizocilpine / Glucose / Glucose metabolism / Glutamic acid receptors (ionotropic) / Glycolysis / High fat diet / Hyperactivity / Ketogenesis / Locomotor activity / Low carbohydrate diet / Mental disorders / Metabolism / N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid receptors / Open-field behavior / Plasma levels / Schizophrenia / Social behavior