Beta-carotene as a Novel Therapy for the Treatment of "Autistic Like Behavior" in Animal Models of Autism.

Beta-carotene as a Novel Therapy for the Treatment of "Autistic Like Behavior" in Animal Models of Autism. Behav Brain Res. 2017 Sep 26;: Authors: Avraham Y, Berry EM, Donskoy M, Ahmad WA, Vorobiev L, Albeck A, Mankuta D Abstract Autism-affected individuals are characterized by lower plasma oxytocin and its ectoenzyme regulator CD38. Oxytocin, a hypothalamic hormone secreted upon the release of CD38, plays a role in social behavior and bonding. All-trans retinoic acid is a potent inducer of CD38 and can be used as a novel therapeutic strategy in autism. We investigated the role of beta-carotene in rescuing autistic-like behavior in BALB/c and BTBR mice. Beta-carotene derivatives are preferred as they are neither toxic nor teratogenic. Beta-carotene at 0.1-5.0mg/kg was administered orally to BALB/c and BTBR newborn mice on days 1-7. They were tested at age 2-3 months for five behavioral tests for "autism"; in addition, brain CD38, oxytocin, oxytocin receptor, Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and retinoic acid receptor gene expression, serum oxytocin levels, and neurological score were evaluated. Beta-carotene administered at birth significantly increased T-maze alternations and led to longer time spent with an unfamiliar mouse in the "three-chamber test" and less time spent in the empty chamber. Furthermore, enhanced activity in the open field test; increased time spent in the reciprocal social interaction test; decreased groo...
Source: Behavioural Brain Research - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Behav Brain Res Source Type: research