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Fig. 5 | Journal of Neuroinflammation

Fig. 5

From: Montelukast reduces grey matter abnormalities and functional deficits in a mouse model of inflammation-induced encephalopathy of prematurity

Fig. 5

Montelukast ameliorates inflammation-induced behavioural abnormalities. A series of behaviour tests were performed to assess the capacity of montelukast to rescue behaviour deficits evident in this animal model and preterm infants. Open field data showed that the inflammatory model of preterm brain injury did not induce any motor deficits, with distance moved (A) and velocity (B) the outer zone, and time spent in the inner zone (C) comparable across all groups. The IL-1β treatment group exhibited anxiety-like behaviour in the light–dark box paradigm (D–F), which was resolved by treatment with montelukast. The Morris water maze was used to assess spatial learning; path length (G), latency (H) and velocity (I) to the submerged platform were assessed. IL-1β treatment reduced spatial learning as animals showed worsened rate of improvement in path length and latency to the platform with increasing trials. This learning deficit was ameliorated by montelukast treatment, with animals showing improved rates of learning. Data presented as mean ± SEM, n = 12 for all groups, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001. SAL: saline; IL1: IL-1β; IL + MO: IL-1β + montelukast; MO: montelukast

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