Maternal separation alters peripheral immune responses associated with IFN-γ and OT in mice

Abstract

The co-evolution of social behavior and the immune system plays a critical role in individuals' adaptation to their environment. However, also need for further research on the key molecules that co-regulate social behavior and immunity. This study focused on neonatal mice that were separated from their mothers for 4 hours per day between the 6th and 16th day after birth. The results showed that these mice had lower plasma levels of IFN-γ and oxytocin, but higher levels of plasma glucocorticoids (GC), then impacting their social abilities. Additionally, maternal separation led to decreased levels of BDNF, IGF2, and CREB mRNAs in the hippocampus, while levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) remained unaffected. Maternal separation also resulted in increased levels of oxytocin and CRH mRNA in the hypothalamus, as well as an increase in CD45⁺ lymphocyte subsets in the meninges and choroid plexus (CP), with CD8⁺ lymphocytes in meninges and CD4⁺ lymphocytes in CP showing an increase. In IFN-γ^-/- mice, a decrease in social preference was observed alongside lower plasma oxytocin levels. Moreover, IFN-γ^-/- mice exhibited reduced numbers of oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN), decreased BDNF levels in the PFC and hippocampus, and alterations in CD45⁺ lymphocytes in CP and meninges, with an increase in CD8⁺ lymphocytes in meninges and CD4⁺ lymphocytes in CP. These findings highlight the immunological impact of social stress on IFN-γ regulation, suggesting that the immunomodulatory molecule IFN-γ may influence social behavior by affecting synaptic efficiency in brain regions such as the hippocampus and PFC, which are linked to oxytocin in the PVN.