Protective Effect of Nimodipine Against Valproic-acid Induced Biochemical and Behavioral Phenotypes of Autism

OBJECTIVE: Present study was designed to investigate behavioral and biochemical role of nimodipine in prenatal valproic acid (Pre-VPA) induced autism in rats. METHODS: Valproic acid was utilized to induce autistic phenotypes in Wistar rats. The rats were assessed for social behavior. Hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) were utilized for various biochemical assessments, whereas cerebellum was used to assess blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability. RESULTS: Pre-VPA rats showed reduction social interaction. Pre-VPA administration were decreased PFC levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), and glutathione along with hippocampus cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Also, the animals have shown increase in PFC levels of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, Evans blue leakage and water content. Nimodipine countered Pre-VPA administered reduction in social interaction, CREB, BDNF, inflammation, oxidative stress, BBB permeability. CONCLUSION: Pre-VPA has induced autistic phenotype, which were attenuated by nimodipine in rats. Nimodipine and other calcium channel blockers should further investigate to check the management of autism.