Stress Response in a Mouse Model of Autism
Author Information
Author(s): Nozomi Endo, Atsuo Hiraishi, Sayaka Goto, Hitoshi Nozu, Takayo Mannari‐Sasagawa, Noriko Horii‐Hayashi, Michiko Kitsuki, Mamiko Okuda, Manabu Makinodan, Mayumi Nishi
Primary Institution: Nara Medical University
Hypothesis
How does the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis respond to stress during early life stages in BTBR mice, a model of autism spectrum disorder?
Conclusion
BTBR mice exhibit disrupted stress responses during weaning, characterized by higher corticosterone and corticotropin-releasing hormone levels but lower adrenocorticotropic hormone levels compared to control mice.
Supporting Evidence
- BTBR mice showed higher corticosterone levels after stress compared to control mice.
- Basal corticosterone levels peaked at weaning in both BTBR and control mice.
- Altered expression of glucocorticoid receptor mRNA was observed in BTBR mice.
Takeaway
The study found that a type of mouse used to study autism has different stress responses when they are young, which might help us understand autism better.
Methodology
The study measured plasma corticosterone levels and stress hormone responses in BTBR and control mice at various postnatal days, using ELISA and gene expression analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the focus on a single mouse model and sex.
Limitations
The study was conducted only on male mice, which may not represent female responses.
Participant Demographics
Male BTBR and C57BL/6J mice.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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