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[P86]: Formation of neuronal processes in a cell culture model of neuronal differentiation in autism
Author(s) -
Frackowiak J.,
Cohen I.L.,
Jenkins E.,
Flory M.,
MazurKolecka B.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
international journal of developmental neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.761
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1873-474X
pISSN - 0736-5748
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2006.09.149
Subject(s) - basic research , autism , developmental state , psychology , cognitive science , library science , developmental psychology , computer science , political science , politics , law
Unknown defects of brain development cause altered cognitive, social and emotional functions defined as autism spectrum disorder. Developmental dysfunction of neural connections associated with local over-connectivity and poor synchronization has been suggested to occur in people with autism. Abnormal development of neural network may be associated with altered levels of neurotrophins, neuropeptides and neurotransmitters in blood serum, CSF and brains of children with autism. Because these factors create the internal environment for neurogenesis, we tested development of neuronal processes in neuronal colonies formed by human neuronal progenitor cells after stimulation with sera from 1.5 to 5 years old children with autism (“autistic conditions”) and their siblings without autism (“control conditions”). Formation of a network of processes in colonies was evaluated after 72 h of culture, based on the percentage of cells with processes and the number and length of processes using immunocytochemistry and morphometry. Synaptogenesis was estimated by measuring the amount of synaptic vesicle protein SV-2 by immunoblotting. We found that neuronal colonies that developed in the “autistic conditions” had: (1) a significantly higher percentage of cells with processes, (2) a significantly increased number and length of processes and (3) increased levels of SV-2 protein. These results suggest that development of a network of processes and synaptogenesis – the specific events occurring in the brain during postnatal ontogenesis – are altered in the “autistic conditions” in culture and may be altered in children with autism. Further studies using this cell culture model may reveal the mechanisms responsible for enhanced growth of processes in the “autistic conditions”.