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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

Cytokines and perinatal brain damage.

Olaf Dammann¹, T Michael O'Shea

¹Division of Newborn Medicine, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA.

Clinics in Perinatology

|November 26, 2008

Summary

Remote infections during development can harm the brain, potentially leading to neurodevelopmental disorders. This review explores how inflammatory signals like cytokines mediate this damage and discusses genetic factors influencing susceptibility.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Immunology
Developmental Biology

Background:

Perinatal brain damage is linked to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.
Understanding mechanisms of brain injury is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

To review evidence linking peripheral infections to perinatal brain damage.
To discuss the role of cytokines and pathomechanisms in mediating this damage.
To explore genetic variations affecting susceptibility to cytokine-induced brain injury.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on infection, inflammation, and brain development.
Analysis of research on cytokines, chemokines, and immune cell involvement.
Examination of genetic studies on susceptibility to brain damage.

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A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

Published on: June 24, 2020

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Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

Published on: June 24, 2020

Main Results:

Evidence suggests infections outside the brain can cause brain damage.
Inflammatory mediators like cytokines and chemokines are implicated in the damage pathway.
Genetic variations may influence an individual's vulnerability to this type of brain injury.

Conclusions:

Peripheral infections represent a significant risk factor for perinatal brain damage.
Cytokine-mediated pathways are key mechanisms underlying this risk.
Further research into genetic susceptibility could inform personalized prevention strategies.