scholarly journals The Role of Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and D-Cycloserine in Remediating Social Behavior in Rats with Amygdala Lesions

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-59
Author(s):  
Kristina Lauren Scanlan ◽  
Alan Gittis ◽  
Robin McGovern
Keyword(s):  
Social Behavior ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Social Impairment ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Social Deficits ◽  
The Social ◽  
Amygdala Lesions

Autism is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication and social behavior.  To reduce the social deficits characteristic of autism, the compounds oxytocin, arginine vasopressin, D-cycloserine, and D-cycloserine + oxytocin were explored as therapeutic agents.  Twenty-one Long Evans Hooded rats underwent a bilateral amygdala lesion, which reduced the time of social interactions between the pairs of animals.  Upon administration of D-cycloserine, the social deficits induced by the lesions were significantly reversed in both sexes.  In addition, it was observed that the efficacy of the treatments was affected by the sex of the subjects.  Male rats had the largest increase in social behavior when given D-cycloserine.  However, female rats experienced the largest reduction in social impairment when administered oxytocin.  Thus, sexually dimorphic treatments should be further investigated for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of the MDMA Model to Address Social Impairment in Autism

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Devahuti Chaliha ◽  
John C. Mamo ◽  
Matthew Albrecht ◽  
Virginie Lam ◽  
Ryu Takechi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Social Impairment ◽  
Social Impairments ◽  
The Core ◽  
The Social ◽  
Behavioural Tests ◽  
Prosocial Behaviours ◽  
No Gold Standard

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by repetitive behaviours, cognitive rigidity/inflexibility, and social-affective impairment. Unfortunately, no gold-standard treatments exist to alleviate the core socio-behavioural impairments of ASD. Meanwhile, the prosocial empathogen/entactogen 3,4- methylene-dioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) is known to enhance sociability and empathy in both humans and animal models of psychological disorders. Objective: We review the evidence obtained from behavioural tests across the current literature, showing how MDMA can induce prosocial effects in animals and humans, where controlled experiments were able to be performed. Methods: Six electronic databases were consulted. The search strategy was tailored to each database. Only Englishlanguage papers were reviewed. Behaviours not screened in this review may have affected the core ASD behaviours studied. Molecular analogues of MDMA have not been investigated. Results: We find that the social impairments may potentially be alleviated by postnatal administration of MDMA producing prosocial behaviours in mostly the animal model. Conclusion: MDMA and/or MDMA-like molecules appear to be an effective pharmacological treatment for the social impairments of autism, at least in animal models. Notably, clinical trials based on MDMA use are now in progress. Nevertheless, larger and more extended clinical studies are warranted to prove the assumption that MDMA and MDMA-like molecules have a role in the management of the social impairments of autism.

scholarly journals Intranasal oxytocin administration ameliorates social behavioral deficits in a POGZWT/Q1038R mouse model of autism spectrum disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kohei Kitagawa ◽  
Kensuke Matsumura ◽  
Masayuki Baba ◽  
Momoka Kondo ◽  
Tomoya Takemoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Behavior ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Mouse Models ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
De Novo Mutation ◽  
Behavioral Deficits

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by core symptoms of impaired social behavior and communication. Recent studies have suggested that the oxytocin system, which regulates social behavior in mammals, is potentially involved in ASD. Mouse models of ASD provide a useful system for understanding the associations between an impaired oxytocin system and social behavior deficits. However, limited studies have shown the involvement of the oxytocin system in the behavioral phenotypes in mouse models of ASD. We have previously demonstrated that a mouse model that carries the ASD patient-derived de novo mutation in the pogo transposable element derived with zinc finger domain (POGZWT/Q1038R mice), showed ASD-like social behavioral deficits. Here, we have explored whether oxytocin (OXT) administration improves impaired social behavior in POGZWT/Q1038R mice and found that intranasal oxytocin administration effectively restored the impaired social behavior in POGZWT/Q1038R mice. We also found that the expression level of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) was low in POGZWT/Q1038R mice. However, we did not detect significant changes in the number of OXT-expressing neurons between the paraventricular nucleus of POGZWT/Q1038R mice and that of WT mice. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that POGZ binds to the promoter region of OXTR and is involved in the transcriptional regulation of OXTR. In summary, our study demonstrate that the pathogenic mutation in the POGZ, a high-confidence ASD gene, impairs the oxytocin system and social behavior in mice, providing insights into the development of oxytocin-based therapeutics for ASD.

Reduced Fusiform Gyrus Activation During Face Processing in Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Matthew C. Hocking ◽  
Robert T. Schultz ◽  
Jane E. Minturn ◽  
Cole Brodsky ◽  
May Albee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Tumor ◽  
Social Behavior ◽  
Face Processing ◽  
Pediatric Brain Tumor ◽  
Brain Activation ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Fusiform Gyrus ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Difficulties ◽  
Pediatric Brain

Abstract Objective: The neural mechanisms contributing to the social problems of pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) are unknown. Face processing is important to social communication, social behavior, and peer acceptance. Research with other populations with social difficulties, namely autism spectrum disorder, suggests atypical brain activation in areas important for face processing. This case-controlled functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study compared brain activation during face processing in PBTS and typically developing (TD) youth. Methods: Participants included 36 age-, gender-, and IQ-matched youth (N = 18 per group). PBTS were at least 5 years from diagnosis and 2 years from the completion of tumor therapy. fMRI data were acquired during a face identity task and a control condition. Groups were compared on activation magnitude within the fusiform gyrus for the faces condition compared to the control condition. Correlational analyses evaluated associations between neuroimaging metrics and indices of social behavior for PBTS participants. Results: Both groups demonstrated face-specific activation within the social brain for the faces condition compared to the control condition. PBTS showed significantly decreased activation for faces in the medial portions of the fusiform gyrus bilaterally compared to TD youth, ps ≤ .004. Higher peak activity in the left fusiform gyrus was associated with better socialization (r = .53, p < .05). Conclusions: This study offers initial evidence of atypical activation in a key face processing area in PBTS. Such atypical activation may underlie some of the social difficulties of PBTS. Social cognitive neuroscience methodologies may elucidate the neurobiological bases for PBTS social behavior.

Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Research Review for School Counselors

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 2156759X1501604
Author(s):  
Richard W. Auger
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
School Counselors ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Research Review ◽  
Social Deficits ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Social ◽  
Students With Autism ◽  
Spectrum Disorders

The number of students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has risen significantly in recent years (CDC, 2012), and students with ASD present unique challenges to schools and school counselors. This article presents a synthesis of recent research literature related to ASD for the purpose of providing school counselors with assistance in understanding and addressing the needs of students with ASD. Specific areas of focus include the prevalence, developmental course, and defining characteristics of ASD, and research on the effectiveness of interventions for students with ASD. Students with ASD are at increased risk for a range of problems, including social deficits and limitations, anxiety, aggression, peer victimization, and underachievement (Ashburner, Ziviani, & Rodger, 2010). Interventions to address the social deficits of students with ASD have shown promise but also have been found to lack results that are generalizable and that persist over time (Schreiber, 2011). This article provides specific recommendations for school counselors.

scholarly journals Prenatal Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Fetal Cortisol Exposure Predicts Child ASD Symptoms

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 349-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheena Ram ◽  
Mariann A. Howland ◽  
Curt A. Sandman ◽  
Elysia Poggi Davis ◽  
Laura M. Glynn
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Developmental Disorder ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Fetal Exposure ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽  
The Social ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

The etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is multifactorial, complex, and likely involves interactions among genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. With respect to environmental influences, a growing literature implicates intrauterine experiences in the origin of this pervasive developmental disorder. In this prospective longitudinal study, we examined the hypothesis that fetal exposure to maternal cortisol may confer ASD risk. In addition, because ASD is four times more prevalent in males than in females, and because sexually dimorphic responses to intrauterine experiences are commonly observed, we examined whether or not any associations differ by fetal sex. Maternal plasma cortisol was measured at 15, 19, 25, 31, and 37 weeks’ gestation in a sample of 84 pregnant women. ASD symptoms were assessed in their 5-year-old children with the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ). Fetal exposure to lower levels of maternal cortisol was associated with higher levels of ASD symptoms only among boys. The observed hypocortisolemic profile exhibited by these mothers may indicate a risk factor that precedes the stress of caregiving for a child with ASD and may not be solely a consequence of the stress of caregiving, as previously thought. These findings confirm the value of examining prenatal hormone exposures as predictors of ASD risk and support the premise that altered prenatal steroid exposures may play a role in the etiology of ASD.

Young boy with social impairment and repetitive behaviors

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Sirin Ozdemir ◽  
Craig L. Donnelly
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Speech Therapy ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Neuropsychological Testing ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Social Impairment ◽  
Child Psychiatrist

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong, highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. The symptoms begin early in development but may not become apparent until social demands exceed abilities. The diagnostic assessment should include a medical assessment; evaluation by a clinician familiar with the signs/symptoms of ASD such as a developmental pediatrician, child psychiatrist, or child neurologist; neuropsychological testing to assess for comorbid intellectual disability; a speech and language evaluation; and an occupational therapy evaluation. There is no cure for ASD, but early diagnosis and intervention are associated with better functional outcomes. The treatment approach should be multidisciplinary and may include behavioral therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and educational interventions. Pharmacologic treatment may be used to manage psychiatric comorbidities and maladaptive behaviors.

scholarly journals C-65 Transdiagnostic Factors of Social Impairment in Comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 1094-1094
Author(s):  
A Garagozzo ◽  
L Katz ◽  
M Scott ◽  
S Hunter
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Motor Skills ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Motor Dysfunction ◽  
Social Impairment ◽  
Motor Deficits ◽  
Social Deficits ◽  
Functional Communication ◽  
Children With Adhd

Abstract Objective Comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD are associated with greater symptom severity, including social impairment. Furthering work by Lerner, Pothoff, and Hunter (2015), we sought to identify unique and shared factors that contribute to parent-reported social deficits in children with ADHD, ASD, and ADHD+ASD. We hypothesized attention, hyperactivity, and motor skills would predict social deficits in ADHD, while functional communication and motor skills would predict social deficits in ASD; and additively, all factors would predict social deficits in ADHD+ASD. Method Utilizing a clinical database, we identified 236 participants (4-21 years; Mage = 10.6; 71% male; 28% African American; FSIQ M = 94.31) with diagnoses of ADHD, ASD, and ADHD+ASD. We examined FSIQ from the WISC-4/5, WPPSI-3, or DAS-2, motor skills and social impairment from the SIB-R and attention, hyperactivity, and functional communication from the BASC-2/3. Results Using hierarchical linear regression and controlling for FSIQ, hypotheses were partially supported. FSIQ was controlled for in each group. For ADHD, hyperactivity, functional communication, and motor skills contributed significantly to the model (p < .001), while for ASD, motor skills contributed significantly to the model (p < .001). For ASD + ADHD, functional communication and motor skills contributed significantly to the model (p < .001) Conclusion Results support previous findings that motor deficits and functional communication are associated with social impairment in children with ADHD and ASD, independently and comorbidly. This suggests that targeting motor dysfunction and functional communication concurrently may be effective for improving social interaction skills in children with ADHD +ASD.

ABSENCE OF A DIURNAL RHYTHM IN LORDOSIS BEHAVIOUR INDUCED BY OESTROGEN IN GONADECTOMIZED RATS

1980 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. S. ERSKINE ◽  
J. I. MARCUS ◽  
M. J. BAUM
Keyword(s):  
Diurnal Rhythm ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Sesame Oil ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Single Test ◽  
Lordosis Behaviour ◽  
Cervical Stimulation ◽  
Lighting Regimen

Gonadectomized rats bearing s.c. Silastic capsules containing crystalline oestradiol-17β diluted with cholesterol, or oestradiol-17β dissolved in sesame oil were tested for the presence of a diurnal rhythm in the display of lordotic behaviour. In experiment 1, female rats received four consecutive tests at intervals of 8 h in a lighting regimen of 12 h light: 12 h darkness beginning 4, 14 and 28 days after implantation of 5 mm capsules of oestradiol. After a single test on day 4, male rats were tested on days 14–15 only, at the same times as the female rats. Female animals were tested while vaginal–cervical stimulation was prevented by vaginal masking beginning 35 days after implantation of oestradiol. In experiment 2, lordotic responsiveness of female rats was assessed beginning 4 days after implantation of oestradiol once on each of 3 consecutive days, with each test occurring at a different time of day. Finally, in experiment 3, female rats were tested as in experiment 1 beginning 4 days after implantation of lower threshold amounts of oestradiol in oil-filled capsules. In no experiment were changes in lordotic behaviour observed as a function of the time of day. These findings failed to support recent reports of a sexually dimorphic rhythm in lordotic responsiveness to oestradiol in the rat.

scholarly journals Neonatal Exposure to Sevoflurane Induces Abnormal Social Behaviors and Deficits in Fear Conditioning in Mice

2009 ◽  
Vol 110 (3) ◽  
pp. 628-637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maiko Satomoto ◽  
Yasushi Satoh ◽  
Katsuo Terui ◽  
Hideki Miyao ◽  
Kunio Takishima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Social Behavior ◽  
Fear Conditioning ◽  
Social Behaviors ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Social Recognition ◽  
Neonatal Exposure ◽  
Learning Deficits ◽  
Neonatal Mice ◽  
The Social

Background Neonatal exposure to anesthetics that block N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and/or hyperactivate gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor has been shown to cause neuronal degeneration in the developing brain, leading to functional deficits later in adulthood. The authors investigated whether exposure of neonatal mice to inhaled sevoflurane causes deficits in social behavior as well as learning disabilities. Methods Six-day-old C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 3% sevoflurane for 6 h. Activated cleaved caspase-3 immunohistochemical staining was used for detection of apoptosis. Cognitive functions were tested by pavlovian conditioned fear test. Social behavior was tested by social recognition and interaction tests. Results Neonatal exposure to sevoflurane significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells in the brain immediately after anesthesia. It caused persistent learning deficits later in adulthood as evidenced by decreased freezing response in both contextual and cued fear conditioning. The social recognition test demonstrated that mice with neonatal exposure to sevoflurane did not develop social memory. Furthermore, these mice showed decreased interactions with a social target compared with controls in the social interaction test, indicating a social interaction deficit. The authors did not attribute these abnormalities in social behavior to impairments of general interest in novelty or olfactory sensation, because they did not detect significant differences in the test for novel inanimate object interaction or for olfaction. Conclusions This study shows that exposure of neonatal mice to inhaled sevoflurane could cause not only learning deficits but also abnormal social behaviors resembling autism spectrum disorder.

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