Prenatal Inflammation Affects Synaptic Function in Offspring
Author Information
Author(s): Roumier Anne, Pascual Olivier, Béchade Catherine, Wakselman Shirley, Poncer Jean-Christophe, Réal Eleonore, Triller Antoine, Bessis Alain
Primary Institution: INSERM, U789, Laboratoire de Biologie Cellulaire de la Synapse, Paris, France
Hypothesis
Does prenatal activation of microglia lead to delayed synaptic dysfunction in adult offspring?
Conclusion
Prenatal inflammation is sufficient to induce delayed synaptic alterations.
Supporting Evidence
- Maternal infection during pregnancy is linked to neuropsychiatric disorders in offspring.
- Prenatal inflammation alters synaptic function in adult mice.
- DAP12KI mice show enhanced AMPA receptor contribution to synaptic transmission.
- Pharmacological inflammation during pregnancy leads to similar synaptic alterations.
Takeaway
If a mother gets sick while pregnant, it can affect how her baby's brain works later in life.
Methodology
The study involved analyzing synaptic function in mice with a genetic mutation affecting microglial function and comparing it to mice subjected to pharmacologically-induced prenatal inflammation.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on animal models, which may not fully replicate human conditions.
Participant Demographics
Mice, specifically DAP12KI and wild-type littermates.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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