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Abstract #2099

Neurofunctional and neurochemical endophenotypes in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder investigated by fMRI and MRS

Marija M. Petrinovic 1,2 , Michael Saxe 1 , Barbara Biemans 1 , Peter Scheiffele 2 , Markus von Kienlin 1 , and Basil Knnecke 1

1 F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Pharma Research & Early Development, DTA Neuroscience, Basel, Basel, Switzerland, 2 Biocenter, University of Basel, Basel, Basel, Switzerland

Alterations in neural function and neurochemistry have been proposed as mechanisms underlying behavioural deficits associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We have leveraged fMRI/MRS in five mouse models of ASD to bridge the gap between genetic/molecular findings and behavioural phenotypes. fMRI revealed prominent neurofunctional alterations in brain regions implicated in socio-emotional, cognitive and sensorimotor processing. fMRI fingerprints were heterogeneous across the models, yet, they reflect the complexity of ASD symptoms found in patients. 1H-MRS in these models showed consistent changes in cerebral glutamate levels indicative of a dysbalance in excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmission which has been purported as a substrate for ASD.

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