Our line of research is primarily aimed at analyzing the effects caused by alterations in the serotonergic system during critical periods of development, mainly during the embryonic stage. We know that serotonin is very important for regulating mood, sleep, and appetite, among other functions. We also know that there are situations that can alter serotonin levels in the body, such as depression during or after pregnancy. We want to determine whether these alterations affect the development of the embryonic brain and whether they have long-term consequences on social behavior.
To investigate this, we use an experimental model in which we induce a reduction in serotonin levels in pregnant mothers and observe the effects on their offspring. Our hypothesis is that this decrease in serotonin may lead to social disorders in the progeny, similar to those observed in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In the future, we hope to contribute new knowledge about the causes and mechanisms of autism, as well as the potential consequences of maternal depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
PUBLICATIONS (LATEST FIVE YEARS)
- Salguero A, Barey A, Virgolini RG, Mujica V, Fabio MC, Miranda-Morales RS, Marengo L, Camarini R, Pautassi RM. Juvenile variable stress modulates, in female but not in male Wistar rats, ethanol intake in adulthood. Neurotoxicol Teratol. 2023 Oct 4;100:107306. doi: 10.1016/j.ntt.2023.107306.
- Marengo L, Fabio MC, Bernal IS, Salguero A, Molina JC, Morón I, Cendán CM, D’Addario C, Pautassi RM. Folate administration ameliorates neurobehavioral effects of prenatal ethanol exposure. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2023 Jan 2;49(1):63-75. doi: 10.1080/00952990.2022.2159425.
- Leyva LR, Salguero A, Virgolini MB, Romero VL, Marengo L, Fabio MC, Morón I, Cendán CM, Pautassi RM. Binge eating promotes ethanol self-administration in female rats with a history of intermittent ethanol exposure at adolescence. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2023 Feb 1;243:109737. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109737.
- Fabio, MC; Servin-Bernal, I; Degano, AL; Pautassi, RM. “Serotonin disruption at gestation alters expression of genes associated with serotonin synthesis and reuptake at weaning”. PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY, (2022). doi 10.1007/s00213-022-06228-z
- Pautassi, R.M. & Fabio, M.C. 2022 A double- hit model reveals individual and synergic consequences of prenatal and adolescent postnatal ethanol exposure. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 00, 1– 3. A
- Pautassi RM, Wille-Bille A, Fernandez MS, Fabio MC 2023. Ethanol Intake on Preclinical Models: Methods of Assessment and Effects on Dopamine Signaling. En: Fuentealba-Evans, J.A., Henny, P. (eds) Dopaminergic System Function and Dysfunction: Experimental Approaches. Neuromethods, vol 193 pps. 163-181 Humana, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-2799-0_8. ISBN 978-1-0716-2798-3
- Marengo L, Fabio MC, Servin-Bernal I, Salguero A, Molina JC, Moron-Henche I, Cendán CM, D’Addario C, Pautassi RM. Folate Administration Ameliorates Neurobehavioral Effects Of Prenatal Ethanol Exposure. 2023. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Feb 1;1-13. doi: 10.1080/00952990.2022.2159425.
- Ruiz-Leyva L, Salguero A, Virgolini M, Romero VL, Marengo L, Fabio MC, Morón Henche I, Cendán CM, Pautassi RM. Binge eating promotes ethanol self-administration in female rats with a history of intermittent ethanol exposure at adolescence. Drug and Alcohol Dependence.
- ZALOSNIK MI, FABIO MC, BERTOLDI, ML, CASTAÑARES CN DEGANO AL. 2021. MeCP2 deficiency exacerbates the neuroinflammatory setting and autoreactive response during an autoimmune challenge. Scientific Reports.: Nature Research. vol.11 n°1. eissn 2045-2322
- Bellia F, Suarez A, D’Addario C, Pautassi, RM; Fabio MC. «Transient serotonin depletion at adolescence, but not at early infancy, reduced subsequent anxiety-like behavior and alcohol intake in female mice». PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY, 2021. doi: 10.1007/s00213-020-05670-1.
- Suarez A, Fabio MC, Bellia F, Fernández MS, Pautassi RM 2020 Environmental enrichment during adolescence heightens ethanol intake in female , but not male , adolescent rats that are selectively bred for high and low ethanol intake during adolescence Environmental enrichment during adolescence heightens ethanol inta. 00:0–12.
- Complete and updated list available here.
