Sex-dependent behavioral deficits and neuropathology in a maternal immune activation model of autism.

ABSTRACT: Infections during gestation and the consequent maternal immune activation (MIA) increase the risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders in infants and throughout life, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects three times more males than females and is mainly characterized by deficits in social communication and restricted interests. Consistent findings also indicate that ASD patients suffer from movement disorders, although these symptoms are not yet considered as diagnosis criteria. Here we used the double-stranded RNA analog polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) MIA animal model of ASD in mice and explored its effects in males and females on social and motor behavior. We then investigated brain areas implicated in controlling an

SUBMITTER: Haida O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6438965 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature