Neuroscience 2003 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 318.7 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Autism model rat : <u>part 1 </u> expression and functional analysis of serotonin transporter in the embryonal thalidomide/valproic acid exposed rats. |
| Authors: |
Nishigami, N.*1
; Miyazaki, K.1
; Narita, N.1
; Narita, M.1
1Insitute of Basic Med. Sci., Univ. of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan |
| 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 3:00 PM-4:00 PM |
| Location: | Morial Convention Center - Hall F-I, Board # UU24 |
| Keywords: | MONOAMINE, RNA, RT-PCR, DEVELOPMENT |
Autism is a congenital neurological disorder characterized by impairment of socialization, abnormalities of communication, and limited activity and curiosity. Whole blood serotonin levels have often been found to be elevated in autistic patients and relatives, although the phenotype of human autism is often referred to hyposerotonin symptoms, rather than hyper. We have recently established an autism model rat by exposing embryonic day (E) 9 rat embryo to either thalidomide or valproic acid(the 32nd SFN). Significant increase of hippocampal serotonin,frontal cortex dopamine, and hyperserotonemia was observed in the E9 teratogen-exposed rat when observed around postnatal day 50 (Narita et al., Ped Res 2002). The model rat exhibited marked behavioral changes, some of which are common with human autism (see also the abstract of Miyahara-T et al.). In the present study, we focused on the function of serotonin transporter (5-HTT) in the autism model rat. 5-HTT controls reuptake of a neurotransmitter serotonin from the extracellular space, and regulates the duration and strength of the interactions between serotonin and its receptors. We have analyzed the mRNA expression level in the E9 thalidomide exposed embryos on E15. Total RNA was extracted from whole brain of each embryos, reverse transcribed to cDNAs, and quantitative PCR was performed using ABI Prism 7700 (Applied Biosystems). Relative mRNA expression (5HTT/GAPDH) of 5-HTT gene was increased in the thalidomide exposed embryos, compared to the controls (1.052+/-0.025 vs 0.980+/-0.015, p<0.05). Increased function of 5-HTT may decrease the concentration of active (functional) serotonin in the extracellular space, and conversely increase the concentration intracellularly in the autism model rat. The experiments were permitted by the Community of Laboratory Animal Research Center in the University of Tsukuba.
Supported by Masaaki 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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