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Animal model of autism induced by prenatal exposure to valproate: behavioral changes and liver parameters.
- Source :
-
Brain research [Brain Res] 2011 Aug 23; Vol. 1408, pp. 8-16. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Jun 12. - Publication Year :
- 2011
-
Abstract
- Autism is characterized by behavioral impairments in three main domains: social interaction; language, communication and imaginative play; and range of interests and activities. This syndrome has attracted social attention by its high prevalence. The animal model induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) has been proposed to study autism. Several characteristics of behavioral abnormalities found in the VPA rats, such as repetitive/stereotypic-like activity and deficit in social interaction have been correlated with autism. Features like flexibility to change strategy, social memory and metabolic status of the induced rats have not been examined. Thus, the main aim of this work was to investigate additional behavioral rodent similarities with autism, as well as, liver redox parameters after prenatal exposure to VPA. Young rats from the VPA group presented aberrant approach to a stranger rat, decreased conditioned place preference to conspecifics, normal spatial learning and a lack of flexibility to change their strategy. As adults, they presented inappropriate social approach to a stranger rat, decreased preference for social novelty, apparently normal social recognition and no spatial learning deficits. Examination of the liver from the VPA group presented significantly increased (12%) levels of catalase (CAT) activity, no alteration in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and a decrease in the SOD/CAT ratio. TBARS, sulfhydril and carbonyl contents, and serum levels of aminotransferases remained unchanged. In summary, rats prenatally exposed to VPA presented decreased flexibility to change strategy and social impairments similar to the autism symptoms, contributing to the understanding of neurodevelopmental symptoms and oxidative imbalance associated to the autism spectrum disorder.<br /> (Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier B.V.)
- Subjects :
- Aging psychology
Alanine Transaminase blood
Animals
Aspartate Aminotransferases blood
Catalase metabolism
Disease Models, Animal
Female
Liver Function Tests
Maze Learning drug effects
Oxidation-Reduction
Oxidative Stress drug effects
Pregnancy
Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
Protein Carbonylation
Rats
Rats, Wistar
Social Behavior
Sulfhydryl Compounds metabolism
Superoxide Dismutase metabolism
Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances metabolism
Anticonvulsants
Autistic Disorder chemically induced
Autistic Disorder psychology
Behavior, Animal drug effects
Liver metabolism
Valproic Acid
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1872-6240
- Volume :
- 1408
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Brain research
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 21767826
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2011.06.015