Thursday, May 04, 2006

Scientists have created autistic mice by deleting a single gene in key parts of the brain

BBC News:

US researchers found the mice had traits such as poor social interaction and high sensitivity.

They say the findings, published in the Neuron, could point the way to better understanding of the causes of autism.

One UK expert said the findings were interesting, but needed much more work before they could be applied to humans.

An autistic spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates and interacts with those around them.

Such disorders tend to emerge in childhood, and affect about 90 in 10,000 people. Boys tend to be affected more often than girls.

The University of Texas team looked at mice where the Pten gene - which has already been linked to other brain disorders - was deleted in the mature nerve cells in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus areas of the brain.

These regions are associated with higher brain function such as learning and memory.

The mice behaved in a number of socially abnormal ways, compared to another group of mice from the same litter.

The genetically altered mice were socially less skilled, being far less likely to be curious about new animals coming into the cage.

They also showed the same level of interest in an empty cage and in one containing another mouse - mirroring the behaviour of children with autistic spectrum disorders.

The genetically altered mice were also less likely to build nests or look after their young, but were more sensitive to stressful stimuli, such as loud noises or being picked up.

An examination of their brains showed they also had the increased brain volume and enlarged heads seen in people with autistic spectrum disorders.

Modified mice show autistic side

Mutant mice show key autism traits

New findings help pinpoint autism's genetic roots

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