[Improvement of a mouse model of valproic acid-induced autism].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To establish an improved mouse model of valproic acid (VPA)-induced autism that better mimics human autism. METHODS: We established mouse models of autism in female C57 mice by intraperitoneal injection of sodium valproate either at a single dose (600 mg/kg) on day 12.5 after conception (conventional group) or in two doses of 300 mg/kg each on days 10 and 12 after conception (modified group), and the control mice were injected with saline only on day 12.5. The responses of the mice to VPA injection, the uterus, mortality rate, and abortion rate were compared among the 3 groups. The morphology and development of the offspring mice were assessed, and their behavioral ontogeny was evaluated using 3- chambered social test, social test, juvenil play test, and open field test. RESULTS: < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The mouse model of autism established using the modified method better mimics human autism with reduced mortality and abortion rates of the pregnant mice and also decreased mortality rate of the newborn mice.