Effect of the social environment on olfaction and social skills in wild-type and a mouse model of autism.

ABSTRACT: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex, polygenic and heterogenous neurodevelopmental conditions. The severity of autism-associated variants is influenced by environmental factors, particularly social experiences during the critical neurodevelopmental period. While early behavioral interventions have shown efficacy in some children with autism, pharmacological support for core features - impairments in social interaction and communication, and stereotyped or restricted behaviors - is currently lacking. In this study, we examined how the social environment influences both wild-type (WT) and Shank3 knockout (KO) mice, a model reflecting core autism-like traits. Our findings revealed that chronic social isolation enhanced social interaction and olfactory neuron responses in WT animals. F

SUBMITTER: Gora C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11542099 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature