Decreased Expression of EP3 Receptor mRNA in the Brain of Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Background: Accumulating evidence has implicated the role of neuroinflammation in the pathology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder.

Objectives: To investigate the expression of prostaglandin EP3 (EP3) receptor mRNA in the brain of ASD mouse model.

Methods: Pregnant mice were injected with valproic acid (VPA) 500 mg/kg intraperitoneally at 12.5 d gestation. The offspring were tested at the age of 5-6 weeks old for their social interaction behavior. Each mouse was assessed for prostaglandin EP3 receptor expression in the prefrontal cortical, hippocampal and cerebellar areas one day after the behavioral test.

Results: Compared to the naive, mice born to dams treated with VPA demonstrated a significantly shorter duration of sniffing behavior, a model of social interaction. Results further showed that the expression of EP3 receptor mRNA was significantly lower in all three brain regions of the mice born to VPA-treated dams.

Conclusion: The present study provides further evidence of the relevance of the arachidonic acid cascade as an essential part of neuroinflammation in the pathology of ASD.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; EP3 receptor; Mice; Pregnant mice; mRNA; neuroinflammation..