Zebrafish Sexual Behavior in Plain and Enriched Environments: Parameters in the Valproate Model of Autism

Abstract

Autism is a complex alteration in children’s developing nervous system that manifests in behavioral patterns that do not match those of typical subjects. Moreover, starting at puberty, these children may encounter problems regarding social interaction related to sexual encounters. As studies are scarce, we used the valproate model of autism in the zebrafish to contribute to the knowledge related to sexual behavior in this disorder. Young zebrafish were reproduced, embryos collected, and organized in groups of control or treated with valproic acid, as the autism model. Sexual behavior was recorded in fish from these embryos as they became sexually active. The results show that the zebrafish’s sexual behavior is organized into appetitive, preconsummatory, and consummatory behaviors, as in other vertebrates. In the autism model, the patterns of sexual behavior are present but with significant modifications. The behavior of males was the most affected, while in females, the most affected parameter was oviposition. These results show that, in the autism model of zebrafish, sexual behavior is not suppressed, but it seems that critical changes occur in the neuroendocrine system that reduces reproductive success. Furthermore, the enriched environment was beneficial in maintaining the consummatory behaviors of females and males with autism-like behaviors.