Research Interests
Dr. Hewitson's research is focused on developing non-human primate models to better understand the genetic and environmental influences that lead to adverse pregnancy outcome, with special emphasis on autism and related disorders. Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction, a delay or lack of language, and repetitive actions or obsessive interests. These behaviors can range from mild to disabling. Autism is the fastest-growing pediatric developmental disability in the U.S., and the cause of autism is still unknown. Recent evidence suggests that children with autism often have GI inflammation, immune disregulation and/or mitochondrial disorders. These underlying comorbid conditions may have an environmental cause.
Dr. Hewitson’s current research examines the complex interactions of the CNS, immune system and GI system in non-human primates after exposure to low-dose ethylmercury, including dynamically assessing structural and biochemical differences in the brain using MRI and microPET imaging.
Recent Publications
Simerly CR, Navara CS, Castro CA, Turpin JC, Redinger CJ, Mich-Basso JD, Jacoby ES, Grund KJ, McFarland DA, Oliver SL, Ben-Yehudah A, Carlisle DL, Frost P, Penedo C, Hewitson L, Schatten G. Establishment and characterization of baboon embryonic stem cell lines: An Old World Primate model for regeneration and transplantation research. Stem Cell Res. 2009;Feb 21. [Epub ahead of print].
Dettmer AM, Houser LA, Ruppenthal GC, Capuano S, Hewitson L. Growth and developmental outcomes of three high-risk infant rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).
Am J Primatol. 2007;69(5):503-18.
Sackett G, Ruppenthal G, Hewitson L, Simerly C, Schatten G. Neonatal behavior and infant cognitive development in rhesus macaques produced by assisted reproductive technologies. Dev Psychobiol. 2006;48(3):243-65.
Hewitston L. Primate models for assisted reproductive technologies. Reproduction. 2004; 128(3): 293-9.
Hewitson L, Simerly CR, Schatten G. ICSI, male pronuclear remodeling and cell cycle checkpoints. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2003;518:199-210.
Hewitson L, Martinovich C, Simerly C, Takahashi D, Schatten G. Rhesus offspring produced by intracytoplasmic injection of testicular sperm and elongated spermatids.
Fertil Steril. 2002;77(4):794-801.
Complete Publication Listing
Professional Affiliations
International Society for Autism Research (INSAR)
American Society for Reproductive Medicine
Collaborative on Health and the Environment
