Immune activation during pregnancy exacerbates ASD-related alterations in Shank3-deficient mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is mainly characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication and repetitive behaviors. Known causes of ASD are mutations of certain risk genes like the postsynaptic protein SHANK3 and environmental factors including prenatal infections.

Methods

To analyze the gene-environment interplay in ASD, we combined the Shank3Δ11-/- ASD mouse model with maternal immune activation (MIA) via an intraperitoneal injection of polyinosinic/polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) on gestational day 12.5. The offspring of the injected dams was further analyzed for autistic-like behaviors and comorbidities followed by biochemical experiments with a focus on synaptic analysis.

Results

We show that the two-hit mice exhibit excessive grooming a

SUBMITTER: Atanasova E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9814193 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature