Autism-like behavior in the BTBR mouse model of autism is improved by propofol.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that is characterized by symptoms of impaired social interactions, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Recent studies in humans and animal-models suggest that reduced GABAergic neurotransmission in the brain may underlie autism-related behavioral symptoms. It has been shown that propofol, a commonly used anesthetic, facilitates γ-aminobutyric acid-mediated inhibitory synaptic transmission. The present study investigated whether propofol improved autistic phenotypes in BTBR T + Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, a model of idiopathic autism. We found that i.p. injection of propofol in BTBR mice significantly improved aspects of social approach and repetitive behaviors without affecting reciprocal social interactions and without any detrimental effects in C57BL/6J mice. The ability of propofol to improve autistic phenotypes in BTBR mice through GABAergic neurotransmission suggests a potential pharmacological target for interventions to treat symptoms of autism.
Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, PR China.
Yulong
Y
Cai
Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, PR China.
Lian
L
Wang
Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, PR China.
Rui
R
Xiao
Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, PR China.
Xin
X
Li
Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, PR China.
Xie
X
He
Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, PR China.
Junwei
J
Gao
Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, PR China.
Haiwei
H
Xu
Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, PR China. Electronic address: fanxiaotang2005@163.com.
Xiaotang
X
Fan
D000221:Adaptation, Ocular / Q000187:drug effects; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005106:Exploratory Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006120:Grooming / Q000187:drug effects; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D015742:Propofol / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; C498794:Disc1 protein, mouse; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D015742:Propofol
Autism spectrum disorder; Propofol; Repetitive behaviors; Social approach