Effect of prenatal valproic acid exposure on cortical morphology in female mice

J Pharmacol Sci. 2012;118(4):543-6. doi: 10.1254/jphs.12025sc. Epub 2012 Mar 22.

Abstract

We have recently shown that prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure causes autism spectrum disorders-like behavioral abnormalities and Nissl-positive cell loss in both prefrontal and somatosensory cortices in male mice. We have also found that VPA-induced social interaction deficits are observed in male but not female offspring. This study demonstrated that the exposure to VPA at embryonic day 12.5 significantly decreased Nissl-positive cell numbers in the prefrontal cortex, but not in the somatosensory cortex, in female offspring. These findings suggest that VPA-induced morphological abnormalities in the somatosensory cortex may be involved in the sex-dependent social interaction deficits.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Prefrontal Cortex / drug effects*
  • Prefrontal Cortex / embryology
  • Prefrontal Cortex / pathology
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / chemically induced*
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / pathology
  • Sex Characteristics*
  • Somatosensory Cortex / drug effects*
  • Somatosensory Cortex / embryology
  • Somatosensory Cortex / pathology
  • Valproic Acid / toxicity*

Substances

  • Valproic Acid