Maternal infections impact brain function in newborn rats

Scientists at the Slovak Academy of Sciences have found evidence that infections during pregnancy can negatively affect the brain function of newborn rats. Their study focused on how maternal immune activation changes nervous system activity, particularly in the hippocampus, a brain area important for memory and emotions. Researchers induced immune activation in pregnant rats using a bacterial compound. They then examined the brain cells—specifically, the hippocampal neurons—of the newborns. They discovered that these neurons showed signs of impaired excitability. This means they needed a stronger stimulus to activate and responded more slowly to signals, which could affect how brain connections are formed. The study also highlighted differences between male and female offspring. Males were more affected by the maternal immune activation, showing lower neuronal activity. This finding might help explain why conditions like autism and schizophrenia are more frequently diagnosed in boys. The researchers say their findings support earlier studies linking maternal infections with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. They suggest that understanding these changes in early brain function could lead to new treatments for these conditions. As more evidence emerges, scientists are looking into ways to reduce the impact of prenatal inflammation. Potential treatments could include anti-inflammatory medications for pregnant women or therapies to improve disrupted brain signaling. Future research will aim to determine how these findings relate to humans and the best times for interventions during pregnancy.