Male fetus susceptibility to maternal inflammation: C-reactive protein and brain development.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Maternal inflammation in early pregnancy has been identified epidemiologically as a prenatal pathogenic factor for the offspring's later mental illness. Early newborn manifestations of the effects of maternal inflammation on human fetal brain development are largely unknown.

Methods

Maternal infection, depression, obesity, and other factors associated with inflammation were assessed at 16 weeks gestation, along with maternal C-reactive protein (CRP), cytokines, and serum choline. Cerebral inhibition was assessed by inhibitory P50 sensory gating at 1 month of age, and infant behavior was assessed by maternal ratings at 3 months of age.

Results

Maternal CRP diminished the development of cerebral inhibition in newborn males but paradoxically increased inhibiti

SUBMITTER: Hunter SK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7263978 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature