Neuroimmune Alterations in Autism: A Translational Analysis Focusing on the Animal Model of Autism Induced by Prenatal Exposure to Valproic Acid

Neuroimmunomodulation
Iohanna DeckmannCarmem Gottfried

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly prevalent developmental disorder characterized by deficits in communication and social interaction and in stereotyped or repetitive behaviors. Besides the classical behavioral dyad, several comorbidities are frequently present in patients with ASD, such as anxiety, epilepsy, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal tract dysfunction. Although the etiology of ASD remains unclear, there is supporting evidence for the involvement of both genetic and environmental factors. Valproic acid (VPA) is an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer that, when used during the gestational period, increases the risk of ASD in the offspring. The animal model of autism induced by prenatal exposure to VPA demonstrates important structural and behavioral features that can be observed in individuals with autism; it is thus an excellent tool for testing new drug targets and developing novel behavioral and drug therapies. In addition, immunological alterations during pregnancy could affect the developing embryo because immune molecules can pass through the placental barrier. In fact, exposure to pathogens during the pregnancy is a known risk factor for ASD, and maternal immune activation can lead to autistic-like f...Continue Reading

Citations

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Dec 6, 2019·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·Emanuela BalestrieriPaola Sinibaldi Vallebona
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Mar 26, 2021·Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomédecine & Pharmacothérapie·Abdoh TalebFeng Han
Apr 4, 2021·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·Magdalena Gąssowska-DobrowolskaAgata Adamczyk
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Jun 3, 2021·Brain Research Bulletin·Junrui YeNaihong Chen
Jul 2, 2021·International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the International Society for Developmental Neuroscience·Iohanna DeckmannCarmem Gottfried
Jul 10, 2021·International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the International Society for Developmental Neuroscience·Júlio Santos-TerraCarmem Gottfried

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