Neuroscience 2003 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 318.8 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Autism model rat : <u>part2</u> marked behavioral changes in the embryonal thalidomide/valproic acid exposed rats. |
| Authors: |
Miyahara, T.*1
; Miyazaki, K.1
; Mugishima, G.2
; Narita, M.1
; Narita, N.1
1Inst. of Basic Med. Sci., Univ. of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan 2Japan, 1-1-1 Tennohdai, 305-8575, |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions - Psychiatric Disorders -- Autism/related disorders |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions<br />- Developmental Disorders<br />-- Genetic |
| Session: |
318. Autism & Related Disorders Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Sunday, November 9, 2003 4:00 PM-5:00 PM |
| Location: | Morial Convention Center - Hall F-I, Board # UU24 |
| Keywords: | LEARNING, MEMORY, SEROTONIN, COGNITION |
One of the difficulties in creating an animal model of autism is to demonstrate the characteristic symptoms of autism in the animal, i.e: impairment of socialization, abnormalities of communication, and limited activity and curiosity. We have recently established an autism model rat by exposing embryonic day (E) 9 rat embryo to either thalidomide or valproic acid (VPA). Significant increase of hippocampal serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), frontal cortex dopamine, and hyperserotonemia was observed in the E9 teratogen-exposed rats (Narita et al., Ped Res 2002). They also exhibited morphological change of the raphe nuclei (the 32nd Annual meeting of SFN, Orlando, 2002), increased expression of serotonin transporter gene (see the abstract of Nishigami-N et al.). In the present study, we have examined (1)Morris water maze test, (2)eight-arm radial maze test, and (3)open field test, that are commonly used for the rat behavioral studies. No significant changes were found in the water maze test. In the radial maze test, impairment of the learning task achievement was observed in the thalidomide and VPA groups compared to the control group (40%, 60%, vs 75%, respectively). Non-exploratory movement was also increased in the autism model rats, a reminiscence of human autism. In the open field test, spontaneous activity was increased in the model rats compared to the controls, although exploration behaviour was not changed. Since the effects of the two different teratogens, thalidomide and VPA, were similar on the behavioral changes, and were partially overlapped with human autism, our model rats are considered to be useful in understanding the pathogenesis of autism. These experiments were permitted by the Community of Laboratory Animal Research Center in the University of Tsukuba.
Supported by Naoko Narita
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2003 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2003. Online.
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