Social Isolation Alters Social and Mating Behavior in the R451C Neuroligin Mouse Model of Autism.

ABSTRACT: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder typified by impaired social communication and restrictive and repetitive behaviors. Mice serve as an ideal candidate organism for studying the neural mechanisms that subserve these symptoms. The Neuroligin-3 (NL3) mouse, expressing a R451C mutation discovered in two Swedish brothers with ASD, exhibits impaired social interactions and heightened aggressive behavior towards male mice. Social interactions with female mice have not been characterized and in the present study were assessed in male NL3^R451C and WT mice. Mice were housed in social and isolation conditions to test for isolation-induced increases in social interaction. Tests were repeated to investigate potential differences in interaction in naïve and exper

SUBMITTER: Burrows EL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5307131 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature