Document Detail


Nonexploratory movement and behavioral alterations in a thalidomide or valproic acid-induced autism model rat.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  19755133     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Autism is a behaviorally characterized disorder with impairments in social interactions, as well as stereotyped, repetitive patterns of behaviors and interests. Exposure of rat fetuses to thalidomide (THAL) or valproic acid (VPA) on the ninth day of gestation has been reported as a useful model for human autism. We have shown that early serotonergic neural development is disrupted in these rats. In the current study, we used a radial maze and open field experimental paradigm to investigate whether these rats present behavioral and/or learning aberrations. THAL (500mg/kg), VPA (800mg/kg), or vehicle was administered orally to E9 pregnant rats at 7-10 weeks of age. Although the mean number of correct and incorrect arm choices in the initial eight arm choices did not differ between control and teratogen-exposed groups, achievement of learning (seven or eight consecutive correct choices for 3 consecutive days for individual rats) seemed to be impaired in teratogen-exposed groups. Interestingly, average time to explore the maze task was shorter in the teratogen-exposed groups, indicating that correct choice might be due to mere coincidence (i.e., nonexploratory movement). Unexpectedly, no significant differences were observed in social interaction in these rats. These results indicate that prenatal exposure to THAL and VPA might alter behavior in a manner that is, in part, consistent with human autism.
Authors:
Masaaki Narita; Akiko Oyabu; Yoshio Imura; Naoki Kamada; Tomomi Yokoyama; Kaori Tano; Atsuko Uchida; Naoko Narita
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't     Date:  2009-09-13
Journal Detail:
Title:  Neuroscience research     Volume:  66     ISSN:  1872-8111     ISO Abbreviation:  Neurosci. Res.     Publication Date:  2010 Jan 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-02-01     Completed Date:  2010-04-06     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8500749     Medline TA:  Neurosci Res     Country:  Ireland    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  2-6     Citation Subset:  IM    
Copyright Information:
Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd and the Japan Neuroscience Society. All rights reserved.
Affiliation:
Institute of Basic Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Japan. narita_m@doc.medic.mie-u.ac.jp
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Age Factors
Animals
Autistic Disorder / chemically induced*,  physiopathology*
Disease Models, Animal
Exploratory Behavior / drug effects,  physiology
Female
Interpersonal Relations
Male
Maze Learning / drug effects,  physiology
Pregnancy
Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects*
Rats
Thalidomide*
Valproic Acid*
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
50-35-1/Thalidomide; 99-66-1/Valproic Acid

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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