Neurobehavioral sex-related differences in Nf1+/ − mice: female show a “camouflaging”-type behavior

ConclusionsOur results suggested a sexually dimorphic impact ofNf1+/ − mutation in hippocampal neurochemistry, and autistic-like behaviors. For the first time, we identified a “camouflaging”-type behavior in females of an animal model of ASD, which masked their autistic traits. Accordingly, like observed in human disorder, in this animal model of ASD, females show larger anxiety levels but better executive functions and production of normative social patterns, togethe r with an imbalance of inhibition/excitation ratio. Contrary, males have more externalizing disorders, such as hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors, with memory deficits. The ability of females to camouflage their autistic traits creates a phenotypic evaluation challenge that mimics the diagnosis difficulty observed in humans. Thus, we propose the study of theNf1+/ − mouse model to better understand the sexual dimorphisms of ASD phenotypes and to create better diagnostic tools.
Source: Biology of Sex Differences - Category: Biology Source Type: research