Information: A journal article stated: “Maternal infection d…
Information: A journal article stated: “Maternal infection during gestation increases the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders in their offspring. Furthermore, work in animal models indicates that pre- or neonatal infections with a wide range of viruses results in similar neurodevelopmental outcomes. These observations are consistent with a mechanism whereby damage is mediated through common pathways. Exposure of pregnant mice to polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, a synthetic, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecular mimic of replicating virus, inhibited embryonic neuronal stem cell replication and led to behavioral abnormalities in their offspring. These effects were mediated through TLR3 (Toll-like receptor 3, a PRR) and abrogated (negated or counteracted) by pretreatment with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) carprofen. Our findings provide insights into mechanisms by which maternal infection can induce subtle neuropathology and may suggest strategies for reducing the risk of neuropsychiatric diseases following exposures to infectious agents….” This is from: De Miranda, J., K. Yaddanapudi, M. Hornig, G. Villar, R. Serge, et al. 2010. Induction of Toll-like receptor 3-mediated immunity during gestation inhibits cortical neurogenesis and causes behavioral disturbances.) in mBio 1(4):e00176-10. Question: Please explain whether it appears that the innate and/or adaptive immune system seems to be playing a role in the development of behavioral abnormalities of the offspring. Be sure to explain how you know this. If the assumption that a similar situation exists for humans, what are ways you would suggest decreasing the risk of neuropathology in offspring? (Please think about this before you answer. Try to be practical and consider what you know about preventing disease).
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