Chronic hM4Di-DREADD mediated chemogenetic inhibition of forebrain excitatory neurons in postnatal or juvenile life does not alter adult mood-related behavior

Abstract

The experience of early adversity can program persistent alterations in mood-states. It has been suggested that a perturbation of signalling pathways within forebrain neurocircuits, in particular a disruption of the balance between Gq and Gi-signaling in forebrain excitatory neurons during critical developmental epochs may program dysregulation of anxio-depressive behaviors. Prior evidence indicates that increased Gq-signaling mediated activation of forebrain excitatory neurons in postnatal life can enhance adult anxio-depressive behaviors. Here, we have addressed whether Gi-signaling mediated inhibition of forebrain excitatory neurons in the postnatal and juvenile windows of life can influence adult anxio-depressive behaviors. Our findings indicate that chronic chemogenetic inhibition of forebrain excitatory neurons via Gi-mediated signalling during critical developmental time windows does not impact mood-related behavior.