Decreased Expression of EP3 Receptor mRNA in the Brain of Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Background: Accumulating evidence has implicated the role of neuroinflammation in the pathology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder. Objectives: To investigate the expression of prostaglandin EP3 (EP3) receptor mRNA in the brain of ASD mouse model. Methods: Pregnant mice were injected with valproic acid (VPA) 500 mg/kg intraperitoneally at 12.5 d gestation. The offspring were tested at the age of 5-6 weeks old for their social interaction behav-ior. Each mouse was assessed for prostaglandin EP3 receptor expression in the prefrontal cortical, hippocampal and cerebellar areas one day after the behavioral test. Results: Compared to the naive, mice born to dams treated with VPA demonstrated a significantly shorter duration of sniffing behavior, a model of social interaction. Results further showed that the expression of EP3 receptor mRNA was significantly lower in all three brain regions of the mice born to VPA-treated dams. Conclusion: The present study provides further evidence of the relevance of the arachidonic acid cascade as an essential part of neuroinflammation in the pathology of ASD.