Placental function related to brain damage associated with autism

Washington DC: One study found that a disruption in the regular supply of allopregnanolone (ALLO), a hormone produced by the placenta in late pregnancy, can make it vulnerable to brain damage badociated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) . The research was presented at the University Pediatric Society Meeting.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in 10 babies is born before term, before 37 weeks of gestation. Premature birth is a major risk factor for ASD.

The placenta is an essential organ and little studied, shared by the developing fetus and the pregnant woman, who brings oxygen, glucose and nutrients and transports the waste. The placenta also delivers ALLO, a derivative of progesterone, needed to prepare the developing fetal brain for life outside the uterus.

ALLO is preparing late in the gestation. When babies are born premature, ALLO supply stops abruptly. This occurs at the same time as the cerebellum – a brain region essential for motor coordination, posture, balance and social cognition – usually experiences a dramatic growth spurt.

"Our experimental model demonstrates that the loss of a placental ALLO alters cerebellar development, including white matter development." The development of the cerebellar white matter occurs primarily after the babies' birth, so it is particularly striking to notice a change in placental function during pregnancy with persistent effects, "said Anna Penn, a neonatologist.

The research team has created a new experimental model in which the gene coding for the enzyme responsible for producing ALLO is deleted in the placenta. They compared these preclinical models to a control group and performed whole brain imaging badyzes and RNAseq gene expression for both groups.

"We observed long-term changes in cerebellar white matter in male experimental models, and behavioral tests revealed social disturbances and an increase in repetitive behaviors, two distinguishing features of ASDs." These men-specific findings parallel risk increased brain damage and ASD observed in humans, babies born prematurely, "said Claire-Marie Vacher, lead author of the study.

"Our findings provide a new way to frame poor placental function: subtle but important changes in the uterus can trigger neurodevelopmental disorders that children experience later in life," said Dr. Penn, lead author of l & # 39; study.

"Our future research could include the identification of new targets in the placenta or brain that could lead to hormone supplementation, thus opening up the possibility of earlier treatment of high-risk fetuses," he said. added Penn.