Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic PolyI:C
07:13

Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic PolyI:C

Published on: March 25, 2016

18.7K

Maternal antibiotics disrupt microbiome, behavior, and temperature regulation in unexposed infant mice

Christopher Harshaw1, Sayuri Kojima2, Cara L Wellman2

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

Developmental Psychobiology
|June 24, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Maternal antibiotic exposure disrupts offspring gut microbiota and thermoregulation, impacting early autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-relevant behaviors. These disruptions suggest potential metabolic confounders in early-life antibiotic studies.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Maternal antibiotic exposure can alter the maternal-offspring microbiome transfer.
  • Early-life dysbiosis is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • Limited research exists on the preweaning behavioral effects of maternal antibiotic exposure in rodent models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of maternal antibiotic exposure on ASD-relevant behaviors in preweaning mice.
  • To assess thermoregulatory competence in offspring exposed to maternal antibiotics.
  • To explore potential links between thermoregulation, microbiome disruption, and behavioral changes.

Main Methods:

  • Antibiotic treatment of C57BL/6J mouse dams during gestation and early lactation.
  • Assay of offspring behaviors: ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) during maternal separation, huddling, and home orientation.
  • Measurement of pup thermoregulatory competence.

Main Results:

  • Offspring of antibiotic-treated dams exhibited altered USV production and huddling behavior.
  • Thermoregulatory deficiencies were observed in pups from antibiotic-exposed dams, particularly at younger ages.
  • Behavioral differences were partially attributable to thermoregulatory deficits.

Conclusions:

  • Early-life maternal antibiotic exposure disrupts the microbiome, thermoregulation, and behavior in offspring.
  • Thermoregulatory impairments may underlie some observed behavioral alterations.
  • Metabolic effects could confound the interpretation of behavioral changes following early-life antibiotic exposure.

Keywords:
dysbiosismetabolismmicrobiomemouse modelsocial developmentthermoregulation

More Related Videos

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development08:50

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

3.9K
Analysis of Electrocardiograms and Behavior in Mice from Pregnancy to Lactation Period06:40

Analysis of Electrocardiograms and Behavior in Mice from Pregnancy to Lactation Period

Published on: April 5, 2024

573

Related Concept Videos

Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity, and disease...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota01:18

Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota

The human gut microbiome includes a diverse array of microbial species, including beneficial commensals and opportunistic pathogens, which interact to support host health. These microbes contribute to essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, immune system modulation, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. However, disruptions to this equilibrium—referred to as dysbiosis—can have widespread physiological consequences.Dysbiosis is often characterized by reduced microbial...
Gut-Brain Axis01:22

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics01:21

Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...