Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by impaired social interaction, communication deficits, and repetitive behaviors. Reliable animal models are essential for studying its mechanisms and testing treatments.
Objective: This review aims to critically evaluate the prenatal VPA model (gestational day 12) in rats as a gold-standard model of ASD.
Methods/Scope: Published studies were reviewed on the dosing and timing of VPA exposure, the behavioral phenotypes produced (e.g., open field and three-chamber sociability tests), and the underlying neurobiological, epigenetic, and oxidative stress changes.
Conclusion: The VPA model reproduces core behavioral and biological features of ASD and is useful for preclinical drug testing. Variability in dose, strain, and testing protocols remains a limitation, so standardization is needed.
| Intend to be published in the IJPS ? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Has the manuscript been published | not published |
