Abstract #1295
A T2 MR Study of Brain Development in a Valproic Acid Model of Autism
Loredana Sorina Truica 1 , Sarah Raza 1 , J. Keiko McCreary 1 , Ian Q. Whishaw 1 , and Robbin Gibb 1
1
Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge,
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Human neuroimaging studies have shown abnormal
regulation of brain growth in autism spectrum disorders
(ASD), suggesting that processes governing apoptosis and
synaptic pruning are highly implicated. This study
investigates brain tissue changes in the valproic acid
(VPA) animal model of ASD and placental transfer of the
drug. Brain and placental in vivo T2-relaxometry
measurements were conducted. Results showed differences
between VPA and control groups in the prefrontal cortex,
suggesting that prenatal exposure to VPA altered the
expected neuronal density. Placental transfer was
evident in the T2 maps. This outcome supports the
evidence that VPA impacts fetal development pre and
post-natally.
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