Luhach K, Kulkarni GT, Singh VP, Sharma B. Cilostazol attenuated prenatal valproic acid-induced behavioural and biochemical deficits in a rat model of autism spectrum disorder.
J Pharm Pharmacol 2021;
73:1460-1469. [PMID:
34459916 DOI:
10.1093/jpp/rgab115]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is categorized as a neurodevelopmental disorder, presenting with a variety of aetiological and phenotypical features. Inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase-3 (PDE3) with cilostazol is known to produce beneficial effects in several brain disorders. The pharmacological outcome of cilostazol administration was investigated in prenatal valproic acid (VPA)-induced ASD deficits in albino Wistar rats.
METHODS
Cilostazol was administered in two doses (30/60 mg/kg) to male rats born of females administered with VPA on gestational day 12. Behavioural assays on locomotion (open field), social interaction, repetitive behaviour (y-maze) and anxiety (elevated plus maze) were performed in all groups. Further, biochemical assessments of markers associated with neuronal function (BDNF, pCREB), inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10) and oxidative stress were carried out in frontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum and cerebellum.
KEY FINDINGS
The cilostazol regimen, attenuated prenatal VPA exposure associated hyperlocomotion, social interaction deficits, repetitive behavior, and anxiety. Further, biochemical markers such as BDNF, pCREB, IL-10 and GSH were found to be significantly increased contrary to markers such as TNF-α, IL-6 and TBARS in the assessed brain regions.
CONCLUSIONS
Cilostazol rectified core behavioural traits while producing significant changes to biochemistry in the brain, suggesting benefits of cilostazol administration in experimental models of ASD.
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