Autism-Like Behavior in BTBR Mice Is Improved by Electroconvulsive Therapy

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder with limited treatment options.
• Current ASD treatments have shown limited efficacy and high costs.
• Preliminary evidence suggests electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may benefit individuals with ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic potential of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in a validated mouse model of autism.
• To determine the optimal dosage and duration of ECT for reversing autism-like behaviors.
• To explore the role of oxytocin signaling in mediating the therapeutic effects of ECT in autism.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the BTBR T+ tf/j mouse model, a validated model for autism.
• Administered a series of 13 electroconvulsive shocks (ECS) twice daily for 7 days.
• Administered a preferential oxytocin receptor blocker via chronic lateral brain ventricle infusion.

Main Results:

• A series of 13 ECS reversed core autism-like behaviors, including impaired sociability and repetitive actions.
• The observed behavioral improvements persisted for up to two weeks post-ECT.
• Oxytocin receptor blockade abolished ECT-induced improvements in sociability and social novelty, but not repetitive behavior.

Conclusions:

• ECT shows therapeutic potential for treating autism spectrum disorder.
• The therapeutic effects of ECT in autism may be partially mediated by central oxytocin signaling.
• Further research is warranted to explore ECT as a viable treatment for autism.