Ameliorative influence of morin on valproic acid-induced autism spectrum disorder in rats

Abstract

Autism is a complex neuro-behavioral condition that includes impairments in social interaction, developmental language and communication skills combined with rigid and repetitive behaviours. Previous studies have shown that the exposure of pregnant women to sodium valproate during the first trimester induced autistic disorder. Morin is a neuroactive flavonoid that has been shown to have protective effect against neurodevelopmental disorder such as schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of morin on sodium valproateinduced autistic behaviours (cognitive deficit, depression and anxiety). Female rats weighing about 150 - 200g (n=20) and male rats weighing 200-250g (n=6) were utilized. After acclimatization, male and female rats were allowed to mate overnight. Female pregnant rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 5 per group): group 1; control (500 mg/kg, i.p.), group 2; sodium valproate (VPA)(500mg/kg, i.p.), group 3; sodium valproate (500mg/kg, i.p.) + morin (40 mg/kg, p.o.) and group 4; morin (40 mg/kg, p.o.). Pregnant rats in group 2 and group 3 received a single intraperitoneal injection of 500mg/kg VPA on embryonic day 12.5 while those in the control group were injected with the same amount of physiological saline. On postnatal day 20, 40mg/kg of morin was administered to the litters of group 3 and group 4. Treatment with morin continued up to postnatal day 50. Social behavioral tests such as (Y-maze, three chamber sociability test, open field test, light-dark box test and wire hang test) were conducted during the treatment regime. On postnatal day 50, the midbrains was isolated for biochemical estimation of oxidative stress parameters. Findings from this study showed that morin  meliorated VPA induced memory impairment and social deficit in mice.