Effect of triftazin on behavior of adult young rats with fetal valproate syndrome

Abstract

The goal of this study was to investigate behavioral characteristics of male young Wistar rats with fetal valproate syndrome (FVS) on days P56-P57 of postnatal development (PD) and to evaluate the effect of triftazin on symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in this experimental model. Methods. The model of fetal valproate syndrome was used to simulate symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. A single dose of valproate (500 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to dams on gestational day 13. Male offspring received triftazin at 0.35 mg/kg or water for injection (active control group) daily from day P30 to day P55. Behavior of animals was evaluated in a three-chamber social interaction test, open field test, elevated-plus maze test (EPM), and Y-maze test with smell aversion. Results. A disturbed pattern of behavior was observed in male rats with FVS on days P35-P36 («mid adolescence») of postnatal development and remained on day P56. This pattern was evident as a
pronounced social deficit in the three-chamber social interaction test, hyperactive behavior in the second day trial of the open field test (acquainted environmental conditions), increased anxiety in the EPM test, and a severe disorder of congenital defensive behavior in the Y-maze test with an aversive fear-induced predator smell. Prolonged administration of Triftazin 0.35 mg/kg has no or a weak effect on the disturbed behavior patterns of male rats with experimental ASD at age of P56.