Maternal poly I:C exposure during pregnancy regulates TNFα, BDNF, and NGF expression in neonatal brain and the maternal-fetal unit of the rat

Maternal infection during pregnancy is associated with increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. Polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidilic acid (poly I:C) or saline was administered to rats to model maternal infection; levels of TNFα, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF) were determined by ELISA. TNFα was significantly increased in maternal plasma, placenta, and amniotic fluid, while it was significantly decreased in fetal liver/spleen and neonatal brain. NGF and BDNF were significantly decreased in the placenta and fetal liver/spleen. There was no change in BDNF or NGF in the fetal or neonatal brain. Changes in TNFα, BDNF, and NGF after maternal exposure to poly I:C represent a potential mechanism through which maternal infection increases risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.