Level of Expression of BDNF and TNF-Alpha in the Somatosensory Cortex and its Effect on Social Interaction in Autism Model Rats Induced by Valproic Acid

Received date: 08 October, 2019 Review date: 17 November 2019 Accepted date:25 December 2019 Abstract Studies have shown that exposure to valproic acid (VPA) during pregnancy may result in "fetal valproate syndrome" that has the characteristics similar to that of autism. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of brainderived neurotrophic factor, alpha tumor necrosis factor alpha and the impact of these factors on the cerebral cortex in autism model rats induced by valproic acid in prenatal period as well as the social functions and behavioral disorders associated with autism animal models of rats. In the middle of the twelfth day of pregnancy (ED 12.5), 500 of mg/kg valproic acid (VPA, SIGMA) dissolved in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were injected intraperitoneally to female rats in the test group (n = 10). In 30 and 60 days after birth, to evaluate social behavior and foraging activities, social interaction, open field tests and Y-Maze tests were conducted. Then, the expression level of serum and BDNF somatosensory cortex and TNF-α were measured by ELISA method. The results of these tests showed that in autism model rats induced by valproic acid, there are weak social connections, followed by a decrease and an increase in cytokines such as BDNF and TNF-alpha in somatosensory cortex and blood serum of the rats. Such analyses at least in animal models is a way to recognize the social disruption caused by autism.