Correlation of distinct behaviors to the modified expression of cerebral Shank1,3 and BDNF in two autistic animal models.

Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder featuring altered neuronal circuitry and consequently impaired social interactions, restrictive interests plus repetitive stereotypic activities. In the present study, differentiated behaviors of valproic (VPA) and propionic (PPA) acid-mediated autism rats were correlated to cerebral scaffolding proteins (Shank1,3) and BDNF expression variations. Sprague–Dawley offspring that received VPA during pregnancy displayed a notably diminished permanence (−78 %, p