Characterization of in utero valproic acid mouse model of autism by local field potential in the hippocampus and the olfactory bulb.
Valproic acid (VPA) mouse model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been characterized mostly by impaired ultrasonic vocalization, poor sociability and increased repetitive self-grooming behavior. However, its neural signaling remained unknown. This study investigated the local field potentials (LFPs) in the dorsal hippocampal CA1 and the olfactory bulb while animals exploring a novel open field. VPA was administered at gestational day 13. The results demonstrated three core features of ASD in male offspring. However, there was no difference in Y-maze performance and locomotor activity. Analysis of hippocampal LFP power revealed significantly increased slow wave (1-4 Hz) and high gamma (80-140 Hz) oscillations and decreased theta (4-12 Hz) activity in VPA mice. In the olfactory bulb, VPA animals showed greater slow wave (1-4 Hz) and beta (25-40 Hz) activity and lower activity of low gamma (55-80 Hz) wave. Regression analysis revealed positive correlations between hippocampal theta power and locomotor speed for both control and VPA-exposed mice. There was no significant difference between groups for modulation index of theta (4-12 Hz) phase modulated gamma (30-200 Hz) amplitude. These findings characterized VPA mouse model with LFP oscillations that might provide better understanding of neural processing in ASD.
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand.
Dania
D
Cheaha
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand.
Sara
S
Bumrungsri
Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand.
Surapong
S
Chatpun
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand. Electronic address: kumarnsit.e@gmail.com.
Ekkasit
E
Kumarnsit
D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000633:toxicity*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology*; D056547:CA1 Region, Hippocampal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005106:Exploratory Behavior; D005260:Female; D008124:Locomotion; D018811:Maternal Exposure; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D009830:Olfactory Bulb / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000633:toxicity*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014635:Valproic Acid
Autism spectrum disorder; Hippocampus; Local field potential; Novel; Olfactory bulb; Valproic acid