Autism-Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Serum of Mothers Having Autistic Children Induces Cerebellar Purkinje cell Alterations in Experimental Model: A Possible Cause of Autism

Silva G Kourtian and Nabila E Abdelmeguid

Autism is a brain developmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction. Our aim is to assess the morphology of plasma cells of mothers having autistic children and to evaluate the effect of administration of serum obtained from mothers having autistic children on the cerebellar Purkinje neurons. Two groups were used: control group, where pregnant rats remained intact while others were injected intraperitoneally with serum of mothers with no history of autism. In the experimental group pregnant rats were intraperitoneally injected serum of autistic children's mothers. The Transmission Electron Microscope showed altered plasma cells of autistic children's mothers, where the heterochromatin material had inversed distribution in all nuclei examined in addition to other alterations. Also, modified Purkinje neurons were obtained in neonates of experimental group showing degeneration and atrophied dendrites. Recommended examination of peripheral blood is essential for early intervention.