Auditory processing in rodent models of autism: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
• Auditory System Function

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents diverse traits, notably auditory sensitivity differences.
• Human ASD studies face challenges in controlling etiological factors.
• Rodent models offer controlled environments but may not capture the full spectrum of human ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and compare auditory processing findings across various rodent models of ASD.
• To identify conserved auditory phenotypes in rodent models that mirror human ASD characteristics.
• To establish a framework for future research on the auditory system in ASD.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a systematic literature search of PubMed and Web of Science for primary research on central auditory processing in mouse and rat ASD models.
• Included 88 studies utilizing non-invasive measures (e.g., auditory brainstem response, event-related potentials, EEG, behavioral tests) and invasive measures (electrophysiology, histology).
• Focused on translatable measures for human comparison and mechanistic insights.

Main Results:

• Consistent findings include delayed N1 peak latency in event-related potentials.
• Reduced gamma activity power and coherence in the auditory cortex were observed.
• Increased auditory startle responses at high sound levels were noted, alongside subcortical neuronal changes.

Conclusions:

• Rodent models exhibit consistent auditory processing alterations relevant to ASD.
• Specific phenotypes, such as altered neural activity and startle responses, are conserved across models.
• This review provides a foundation for future research into ASD-related auditory system dysfunction.