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Could Perinatal Asphyxia Induce a Synaptopathy? New Highlights from an Experimental Model
María Inés Herrera1, Matilde Otero-Losada2, Lucas Daniel Udovin2
1Centro de Investigaciones en Psicología y Psicopedagogía, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Católica Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Cardiológicas (ININCA), UBA-CONICET, CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Perinatal asphyxia harms brain development, potentially causing neurological issues like cerebral palsy. This review explores how synaptic dysfunction may contribute to these long-term effects in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neonatal Research
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Perinatal asphyxia is an obstetric complication impacting brain structure and function.
- The central nervous system is vulnerable to oxidative stress from perinatal asphyxia.
- Neonatal neurological disorders like cerebral palsy are linked to perinatal asphyxia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss synaptic dysfunction associated with perinatal asphyxia.
- To explore the role of synaptic alterations in neurological disorders post-asphyxia.
- To provide updated evidence from an experimental model on perinatal asphyxia's effects.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of biochemical and molecular pathways.
- Analysis of evidence from an experimental model.
- Discussion of synaptic alterations and connectivity.
Main Results:
- Perinatal asphyxia causes significant oxidative damage to the brain.
- Synaptic alterations are implicated in neurological deficits following asphyxia.
- Approximately 25% of surviving neonates develop neurological disorders.
Conclusions:
- Synaptic dysfunction is a potential mechanism underlying neurological disorders after perinatal asphyxia.
- Understanding synaptic alterations is crucial for preventing abnormal neural development.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise role of synaptic changes.
