Neurobiological mechanisms involved in schizophrenia and addiction. It is now well established that both genes and (early) environmental factor contribute to the development of these serious psychiatric illnesses. However, how the brain is altered by such gene * environment interactions can only be studied in animals. For that purpose we will be using a number of unique, genetically altered rats (such as the serotonin transporter knock-out rat and the D1 mutant rat), subject them to specific early environmental manipulations (such as a prenatal immune challenge) and study how this affect the brain and behaviour of these animals. In addition, we will use these rats to further understand the neurobiology of drug (especially MDMA and cocaine) addiction
