Disrupted Social Hierarchy in Prenatally Valproate-Exposed Autistic-Like Rats.

ABSTRACT: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impaired socio-communicational function, repetitive and restricted behaviors. Valproic acid (VPA) was reported to increase the prevalence of ASD in humans as a consequence of its use during pregnancy. VPA treatment also induces autistic-like behaviors in the offspring of rats after prenatal exposure; hence it is a preclinical disease model with high translational value. In the present study, our aim was to characterize ASD relevant behaviors of socially housed, individually identified male rats in automated home cages. The natural behavior of rats was assessed by monitoring their visits to drinking bottles in an environment without human influence aiming at reducing interventional stress. Although rodents normally tend to explore their new

SUBMITTER: Pelsoczi P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6974458 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature