Scientists have created an "autistic mouse" after replacing a normal gene in its body with a mutated one.
They hope the mouse will yield clues about autism, a neuropsychiatric disorder in which those affected experience social, communication and sometimes cognitive deficits. Many perform repetitive motions, and some variants of the disorder are accompanied by a heightened spatial ability and high intellect.
"With this research, we can study changes in the brain that lead to autistic behaviours and symptoms, which may help us understand more about progression and treatment of the disorder," study author Craig Powell, assistant professor of neurology and psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, said in a release.
Researchers replaced a normal gene called neurologin-3 with a mutated neurologin-3 gene, which is associated with autism.
The modified mouse showed autistic symptoms similar to those in people with the condition, according to the authors. It displayed decreased social interaction with other mice, anxiety, poorer co-ordination and pain sensitivity. It also showed advanced spatial learning abilities.
The scientists plan to test drug therapies on mouse models to improve social interaction deficits.
"For now, the mainstay of autism treatment is still behavioural therapy. The earlier we can get patients involved with behavioural interventions, the better off people with autism will be," said Powell.
The research was presented Saturday at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology annual meeting in Boca Raton, Fla.
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