Mouse maternal odontogenic infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis induces cognitive decline in offspring

Introduction Porphyromonas gingivalis ( P. ), a major periodontal pathogen, causes intrauterine infection/inflammation. Offspring exposed to infection/inflammation have an increased risk of neurological disorders, regardless gestational age. However, the relationship between maternal periodontitis and offspring functional/histological changes in brain has not yet been elucidated. Methods In this study, we used mouse model investigate effects odontogenic infection on behavior tissue. Results The step-through passive avoidance test showed that latency acquisition trial was significantly shorter group p < 0.05), but no difference spontaneous motor/exploratory parameters by open-field test. diffusely distributed throughout brain, especially hippocampus. hippocampus amygdala, numbers neuron cells cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein-positive were reduced whereas number ionized calcium adapter protein 1-positive microglia 0.05). hippocampus, glial fibrillary acidic astrocytes also Discussion -infected mothers cognitive function. Neurodegeneration/neuroinflammation amygdala may be caused infection, which is maternally transmitted. importance eliminating -odontogenic before or during gestation maintenance healthy function should addressed near future.