Neuropathology and Animal Models of Autism: Genetic and Environmental Factors

Figure 3

Environmental and genetic factors play a role in autism and altering the immune system. Environmental factors, like valproic acid, thalidomide, and thimerosal-containing vaccines, play a role in causing neurodevelopmental disorders and altering immune system function in humans with autism and in animal models of autism. Genetic mutations in MeCp2, TSC, and Reelin can induce an autism phenotype as well as autism-like neuropathology and/or immune system impairment when inserted into mice. The “?” indicates missing evidence for TSC and Reelin causing immune system alterations.