ePoster

Density of CB1-expressing GABAergic axon terminals is increased in the valproate model of autism in male mice

Judit Veres, Anita Varga, Zsófia Reéb, Viktor Román, Norbert Hájos
FENS Forum 2024(2024)
Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, Vienna, Austria

Conference

FENS Forum 2024

Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, Vienna, Austria

Resources

Authors & Affiliations

Judit Veres, Anita Varga, Zsófia Reéb, Viktor Román, Norbert Hájos

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by a wide range of symptoms, including impairments in social interactions, communication, and emotion-related behavior. In this study we aimed to uncover the changes of inhibitory basket cell outputs in the prefrontal cortex and basolateral amygdala, regions that play a central role in the expression of core symptoms in autistic behaviors.We observed that valproate treatment at E12.5 resulted in a decrease in ultrasound vocalizations in the pups (n=12) and an increase in tactile sensitivity assessed by the von Frey test in comparison to controls (n=13). As young adults, valproate treated mice showed decreased sociability and social novelty seeking in the three chamber test. After the behavior tests, the density of type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) and parvalbumin (PV) containing inhibitory axon terminals was analyzed. We found that in valproate treated mice, the density of CB1+, but not PV+, axon terminals was significantly increased in the lateral and basal amygdala. Furthermore, in layer 1 of the prelimbic cortex, the density of CB1+, but not of PV+ axon terminals was significantly increased. These data imply that the endocannabinoid signaling system controlling GABAergic synaptic communication is altered in mice treated with valproate during development.

Unique ID: fens-24/density-expressing-gabaergic-axon-terminals-786e3db7