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Reduced sulfate plasma concentrations in the BTBR T+tf/J mouse model of autism
Michael J Corley1, Ksenia Z Meyza, D Caroline Blanchard
1Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA. mcorley@hawaii.edu
Insights
Autism is linked to abnormal sulfate chemistry. The BTBR mouse model exhibits lower plasma sulfate levels, suggesting its utility in studying autism-related sulfate metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with altered sulfate metabolism, a critical process for cellular functions.
- Understanding the biochemical underpinnings of ASD is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether the BTBR T+tf/J mouse model displays autism-relevant abnormalities in sulfate chemistry.
- To compare plasma sulfate concentrations in BTBR T+tf/J mice with control strains.
Main Methods:
- Plasma sulfate concentrations were measured in BTBR T+tf/J mice.
- Plasma sulfate levels were compared between BTBR T+tf/J, C57BL/6J, and CD-1 mice.
Main Results:
- BTBR T+tf/J mice showed significantly lower plasma sulfate concentrations compared to C57BL/6J and CD-1 mice.
- This finding indicates a potential metabolic aberration in the BTBR mouse model relevant to autism.
Conclusions:
- The BTBR mouse model exhibits autism-relevant abnormalities in sulfate chemistry.
- This model may be valuable for further research into the role of sulfate in autism spectrum disorder and associated behaviors.
Abstract:
Clinical studies have shown that children diagnosed with autism show abnormal sulfate chemistry, which is critical for cellular and metabolic processes. To determine if the inbred BTBR T+tf/J mouse shows autism-relevant aberrations in sulfate chemistry, the present study examined plasma sulfate concentrations in BTBR T+tf/J, inbred C57BL/6J, and outbred CD-1 mice. Results showed that the BTBR T+tf/J mouse exhibits significantly lower plasma sulfate concentrations in comparison to both C57BL/6J and CD-1 mice. These results suggest that the BTBR mouse shows autism-relevant abnormalities in sulfate chemistry and may serve additional utility in examining the role of sulfate and sulfate-dependent systems in relation to autism-relevant behavioral aberrations.
