Perinatal Influences of Valproate on Brain and Behaviour: An Animal Model for Autism.
Valproic acid or valproate (VPA) is an anti-convulsant and mood stabiliser effective in treating epilepsy and bipolar disorders. Although in adults VPA is well tolerated and safe, there is convincing evidence that it has teratogenic properties, ranging from mild neurodevelopmental changes to severe congenital malformations. In particular, studies involving humans and other animals have shown that prenatal exposure to VPA can induce developmental abnormalities reminiscent of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this chapter, we discuss the connection between VPA and ASD, evaluate the VPA animal model of ASD, and describe the possible molecular mechanisms underlying VPA's teratogenic properties.
School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand.
Peter
P
Ranger
School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand. bart.ellenbroek@vuw.ac.nz.
Bart A
BA
Ellenbroek
D000818:Animals; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000139:chemically induced*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D018682:GABA Agents / Q000633:toxicity*; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000633:toxicity*
D018682:GABA Agents; D014635:Valproic Acid
ASD; Animal models; Autism; Behaviour; HDAC-I; Oxidative stress; ROS; Teratogen; VPA; Valproate; Valproic Acid