Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Hypoxia Alters miRNAs Levels Involved in Non-Mendelian Inheritance of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Mice
09:13

Hypoxia Alters miRNAs Levels Involved in Non-Mendelian Inheritance of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Mice

Published on: July 11, 2025

Prenatal Indomethacin Exposure Is Associated With Autism-Relevant Behavioral Alterations Linked to Oxidative Stress

Bakiye Akbaş1, Ahmet Akbaş2, Nadir Adnan Hacım3

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey.

Developmental Neurobiology
|May 15, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal exposure to indomethacin, a COX inhibitor, may induce autism-like behaviors in rats by disrupting prostaglandin E2 signaling, causing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. These effects were more pronounced in male offspring.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) pathogenesis involves genetic and environmental factors.
  • Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), regulated by COX-2, is crucial for neurodevelopment and glia-neuron communication.
  • Inhibiting PGE2 during gestation may negatively impact fetal brain development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if prenatal indomethacin exposure induces autism-like behaviors in rats.
  • To explore potential sex differences in these induced alterations.
  • To examine the underlying molecular and histological changes in the offspring's brains.

Main Methods:

  • Pregnant Wistar rats received indomethacin (1 mg/kg) on gestational days 10-14.
  • Offspring underwent behavioral assessments (sociability, exploration, motor function) at P50-P54.
  • Hippocampal and cerebellar tissues were analyzed for PGE2, LC3B, MDA, neuronal density, and GFAP expression.

Main Results:

  • Indomethacin exposure reduced sociability, exploration, and motor performance, particularly in males.
  • Biochemical analysis revealed decreased PGE2 and LC3B, and increased MDA.
  • Histological examination showed increased CA1 neuronal counts and elevated GFAP immunoreactivity in hippocampus and cerebellum, indicating astroglial activation and neuroinflammation.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal prostaglandin synthesis inhibition by indomethacin may lead to ASD-relevant behavioral outcomes.
  • Mechanisms include disturbed PGE2 signaling, oxidative stress, altered autophagy, and glial activation.
  • These findings highlight potential risks of COX inhibitors during pregnancy for neurodevelopment.

Keywords:
autismneuroinflammationprenatal neurotoxicityprostaglandin signalingrats

More Related Videos

Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic Poly(I:C)07:13

Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic Poly(I:C)

Published on: March 25, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.