Scientists find link between placental inflammation and autism traits in male mice

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have found a connection between inflammation during pregnancy, placental damage, and autism-like traits in male mice, according to ScienceDaily Health.

The study showed that triggering an immune response in pregnant mice at a specific stage led to developmental abnormalities in about one-third of fetuses within 24 hours, with effects seen only in males.

Researchers used a substance that mimics viral infection to activate the maternal immune system without introducing a virus, discovering that fetuses were most vulnerable 12.5 days into pregnancy.

This work suggests that disruptions linked to autism may begin earlier than previously thought and that the placenta plays a key role in these developmental changes.

The study also found females appeared naturally protected from these effects, which may help explain why autism is more frequently diagnosed in boys.

Scientists hope these findings will open new opportunities for early intervention and deepen understanding of autism's origins beyond genetic factors.