Neurodevelopmental effects of chronic exposure to elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a developing visual system.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Imbalances in the regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been increasingly correlated with a number of severe and prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia and Down syndrome. Although several studies have shown that cytokines have potent effects on neural function, their role in neural development is still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the link between abnormal cytokine levels and neural development using the Xenopus laevis tadpole visual system, a model frequently used to examine the anatomical and functional development of neural circuits.

Results

Using a test for a visually guided behavior that requires normal visual system development, we examined the long-term effects of prolonged deve

SUBMITTER: Lee RH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2819242 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature