Studying autism in rodent models: Reconciling endophenotypes with comorbidities

A Argyropoulos; K Gilby; EL Hill-Yardin

Journal article

Studying autism in rodent models: Reconciling endophenotypes with comorbidities

A Argyropoulos, K Gilby, EL Hill-Yardin

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience | Published : 2013

DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00417

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Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients commonly exhibit a variety of comorbid traits including seizures, anxiety, aggressive behavior, gastrointestinal problems, motor deficits, abnormal sensory processing and sleep disturbances for which the cause is unknown. These features impact negatively on daily life and can exaggerate the effects of the core diagnostic traits (social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors). Studying endophenotypes relevant to both core and comorbid features of ASD in rodent models can provide insight into biological mechanisms underlying these disorders. Here we review the characterization of endophenotypes in a selection of environmental, genetic and behavi..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Elisa Hill Author

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Grants

Awarded by National Health and Medical Research Council

Funding Acknowledgements

The authors thank Dr. Randal Moldrich, Professor Joel Bornstein, Dr. Emma Burrows, and Professor Terence O'Brien for the critical reading of this manuscript. Elisa L. Hill-Yardin was supported by a Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) Autism Research Program (ARP) Idea Development Award (AR110134) and an NHMRC Grant (1047674).