Abnormal Cerebellar Development Is Involved in Dystonia-Like Behaviors and Motor Dysfunction of Autistic BTBR Mice.

ABSTRACT: Motor control and learning impairments are common complications in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Abnormal cerebellar development during critical phases may disrupt these motor functions and lead to autistic motor dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanisms behind these impairments are not clear. Here, we utilized BTBR T⁺ Itpr^tf /J (BTBR) mice, an animal model of autism, to investigate the involvement of abnormal cerebellar development in motor performance. We found BTBR mice exhibited severe dystonia-like behavior and motor coordination or motor learning impairments. The onset of these abnormal movements coincided with the increased proliferation of granule neurons and enhanced foliation, and Purkinje cells displayed morphological hypotro

SUBMITTER: Xiao R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7154340 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature