NEURONAL PLASTICITY IN THE HIPPOCAMPAL CA1 REGION ACROSS THE ESTROUS CYCLE IN THE C58/J MOUSE STRAIN WITH AN ASD-LIKE PHENOTYPE

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. ASD presents a higher prevalence in males than in females, suggesting the involvement of sex-dependent biological mechanisms. In females, endocrine factors have been increasingly linked to ASD, as hormonal fluctuations are often associated with exacerbation of autistic traits and mood disturbances. Ovarian hormones are known to modulate hippocampal synaptic plasticity throughout the estrous cycle.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of estrous cycle-dependent hormonal fluctuations on neuronal plasticity in the CA1 region of the hippocampus using the autistic-like mouse strain C58/J. The phases of the estrous cycle was identified in female C58/J mice and control C57BL/6J mice of the same age using vaginal cytology. The morphology and density of dendritic spines were analyzed in sections of the hippocampus stained with Golgi Cox. Extracellular electrophysiological recordings were also performed to evaluate synaptic plasticity in the CA1 region of the hippocampus.
Preliminary results showed significant differences in the density and morphology of dendritic spines between the C58/J mouse model of autism and the control strain. Differences were also found in the levels of proteins relevant to dendritic spine formation and structural plasticity.