The results of genetic studies suggest a possible role for SNAP-25 polymorphism in the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs); however, there are no data available on whether changes in SNAP-25 expression also affect animals in rodent models of ASD. The aim of the present study was to explore this issue. The studies included 1-month-old rats representing valproic acid (VPA)- and thalidomide (THAL)-induced models of autism. Their mothers received single doses of VPA (800 mg/kg) or THAL (500 mg/kg) per os on the 11th day of gestation. SNAP-25 protein content in the cerebellum, hippocampus, and frontal lobe was determined using Western blotting, while changes of mRNA levels of Snap25 gene were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Compared to controls, SNAP-25 content was decreased by approximately 35% in all brain structures tested, in both males and females, exclusively in the VPA group. In contrast to this, Snap25 expression, studied in males, was increased in the hippocampus and cerebellum in both, VPA- and THAL-treated rats. We discuss the compliance of these results with the hypothesized role of SNAP-25 in the pathophysiology of ASD and the adequacy of the experimental models used.

中文翻译：

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两种自闭症模型在幼鼠脑中SNAP-25蛋白表达的变化。

遗传研究的结果表明SNAP-25多态性在自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）的发生中可能发挥作用；但是，尚无关于SNAP-25表达变化是否也影响ASD啮齿动物模型中动物的数据。本研究的目的是探讨这个问题。研究包括代表丙戊酸（VPA）和沙利度胺（THAL）诱发的自闭症模型的1个月大大鼠。他们的母亲在妊娠第11天接受了单次口服VPA（800 mg / kg）或THAL（500 mg / kg）的口服剂量。使用免疫印迹确定在小脑，海马SNAP-25蛋白含量，而额叶，而mRNA表达水平的变化小号的SNAP25使用实时聚合酶链反应确定基因。与对照组相比，仅在VPA组中，雄性和雌性中所有测试的大脑结构中SNAP-25含量均降低了约35％。与此相反，在雄性中研究的Snap25表达在VPA和THAL处理的大鼠中均在海马和小脑中升高。我们讨论了这些结果与SNAP-25在ASD病理生理中的假设作用以及所用实验模型的充分性的符合性。