Chinese acupuncture: A potential treatment for autism rat model via improving synaptic function

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Integrative Medicine
• Developmental Disorders

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social interaction deficits and repetitive behaviors.
• While acupuncture has shown promise in improving autistic symptoms in children, the underlying biological mechanisms require further investigation.
• Rodent models offer a valuable platform for exploring the neurobiological underpinnings of ASD and the efficacy of therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of scalp acupuncture on behavioral abnormalities in a valproic acid (VPA)-induced rat model of autism.
• To elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms by which acupuncture may alleviate autistic symptoms, focusing on prefrontal cortex (PFC) function.
• To analyze changes in gene expression, neural signaling, and neuronal ultrastructure following acupuncture treatment in the autism rat model.

Main Methods:

• Autism rat models were established via prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure.
• VPA-exposed rats received scalp acupuncture intervention for four weeks, alongside control groups (VPA-only and wild-type).
• Behavioral tests, RNA sequencing of the prefrontal cortex, and transmission electron microscopy of PFC neurons were performed post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Acupuncture treatment significantly ameliorated anxiety-like and repetitive behaviors in VPA rats, while improving social interaction and exploratory activity.
• RNA sequencing revealed that acupuncture modulated gene expression pathways related to synaptic function, neural signaling, and immune responses.
• Transmission electron microscopy showed normalized mitochondrial structure and increased synapse/synaptic vesicle density in the PFC of acupuncture-treated rats compared to VPA-only rats.

Conclusions:

• Scalp acupuncture effectively improved behavioral and cellular abnormalities in an autism rat model.
• The therapeutic effects of acupuncture may be mediated by the restoration of synaptic function, promotion of neuronal signaling, and regulation of neuroinflammation.
• These findings support acupuncture as a potential complementary therapy for managing core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.