The State of the Dopaminergic and Glutamatergic Systems in the Valproic Acid Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

ABSTRACT: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder mainly characterized by deficits in social communication and stereotyped behaviors and interests. Here, we aimed to investigate the state of several key players in the dopamine and glutamate neurotransmission systems in the valproic acid (VPA) animal model that was administered to E12.5 pregnant females as a single dose (450 mg/kg). We report no alterations in the number of mesencephalic dopamine neurons or in protein levels of tyrosine hydroxylase in either the striatum or the nucleus accumbens. In females prenatally exposed to VPA, levels of dopamine were slightly decreased while the ratio of DOPAC/dopamine was increased in the dorsal striatum, suggesting increased turn-over of dopamine tone. In turn, levels of D

SUBMITTER: Maisterrena A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9688008 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature