Scientists find link between autism and prenatal period
New research suggests that brain-directed antibodies produced by a mother during the prenatal period could be a causal factor for autism.
Scientists at the UC Davis MIND Institute, led by immunologist Judy Van de Water, have found that some cases of autism may be linked to antibody transplacental transfer during pregnancy, which affects the growing brain.
"The major significance of this study is that it links exposure to abnormal immune system factors during pregnancy with specific behavioural outcomes in offspring," said researcher neuroscientist David Amaral.
"The monkeys' behaviour is profoundly changed from normal, and those changes are similar to impairments that we see in children with autism. The study adds to increasing evidence that immune system factors of mothers could contribute to the development of some forms of autism."
Recent research by French scientists at the INSERM institute strengthened the theory that breastfeeding can help a mother protect her child against allergies, after it was found that female mice helped develop the immune system of their offspring by passing on allergens in their breast milk.
News brought to you by Global Health TV, covering the issues of Health in the Developing world
Send this article to a friend
Comment on this article
Bookmark this video