EFFECT OF ANTIANDROGENS ON VALPROIC ACID-INDUCED NEURODEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES IN RATS

Autism spectrum disorders are a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by disturbances in social interaction and communication, as well as repetitive and restricted behaviors. No efficient treatment plans have been found so far. The neurodevelopmental effects of antiandrogens on developmental milestones were examined in rats following a single intraperitoneal injection of adult pregnant female rats with valproic acid (VPA) (600 mg/kg) on gestation day 12.5. Control females were injected with physiological saline at the same time. The offspring of set 1 (which received physiological saline) was divided into 2 groups (groups 1&2) and the offspring of set 2 (which received VPA) were divided into 5 groups (groups 3-7). Thus, the seven groups were organized as follows: Group 1, the control group in which pups did not receive any treatment. Group 2, pups were given sesame oil vehicle. Group 3 pups did not receive any further treatment. Group 4 in which the pups were given sesame oil. Group 5 in which the pups received 1 mg/day testosterone propionate subcutaneously. Group 6 in which the pups received flutamide 1 mg/kg subcutaneously. Group 7 in which the pups received finasteride 50 mg/kg subcutaneously. Our results demonstrated that VPA-induced retardation in sensorimotor reflexes, but did not affect physical landmarks while antiandrogens improved developmental milestones. In conclusion, our finding confirms that androgen contributes partially towards VPA-induced neurodevelopmental insults.