In Just Two Hours: The Drug That Dramatically Improved Autism Symptoms

A new study from the University of California on mice found that mild inflammation during pregnancy can lead to autism-like symptoms in offspring. A single dose of the drug rapamycin improved brain function within two hours, reducing sensory sensitivity and seizure risk. The researchers emphasize that the drug is not intended for human use.

A new study conducted at the University of California's medical institutions has shed light on the link between mild inflammation during pregnancy and autism-like symptoms in offspring. The researchers discovered that very mild inflammation in the mother during pregnancy, even one that does not cause actual illness, can leave a long-term mark on the developing brain. The offspring showed in adulthood structural changes in the brain, communication difficulties, behaviors reminiscent of autism, and extreme sensitivity to noise and touch. As part of the study, the researchers gave adult mice affected by fetal inflammation a single dose of a drug called rapamycin, commonly used to suppress the immune system. The result was surprising: within two hours, improvement was seen in almost every measure – brain cells began to function more balanced, sensory sensitivity and repetitive behaviors decreased, and the risk of seizures dropped significantly. The researchers understood that the drug did not fix the physical structure of the brain, but quickly improved communication between brain cells. However, they emphasize that the drug is not intended for human use to treat autism – its effect is temporary, long-term use may be toxic, and the experiment was conducted only in mice. The scientific significance is that the brain is more flexible than previously thought, and that symptoms can be improved by enhancing electrical communication in the brain without changing the physical structure.