Abstract
Mouse models of neuropsychiatric disorders are validated according to three different criteria: face validity, construct validity and predictive validity. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are diagnosed behaviorally, therefore, mouse models of ASDs rely primarily on face validity. The three diagnostic criteria for ASDs are impairments in social interaction, communication and repetitive behavior, and/or restricted interests. The BTBR T+tf/J (BTBR) mice are an inbred strain used as model of ASDs. All three types of behavioral criteria have been evaluated in the BTBR mice. An advantage of using an inbred strain, such as BTBR is that, the mice are considered genetically identical and offer good controls for experimentation. The BTBR mice have demonstrated face validity for the three core behaviors that define ASDs. Low levels of social behavior, altered communication and spontaneous grooming comprise the behavioral phenotype of the BTBR mice. For construct validity, the BTBR mice have some physiological characteristics similar to humans with ASDs. Several drug and behavioral treatments for ASDs have been examined in the BTBR mice; however this area of research is still being developed. This review will offer a description of the behavior and physiology of the BTBR mice as a model for ASDs.
Highlights
A Animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders are powerful tools that resemble the corresponding human pathologies
In the case of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), face validity is determined by examining mouse behaviors relevant to the three core behavioral symptoms, as well as the associated or comorbid symptoms
Though receptor binding was comparable, 8-OH-DPATstimulated a 28% increase in GTPγS binding in the BTBR hippocampal CA1 region, indicating elevated 5-HT(1A) capacity to activate G-proteins [70]. This suggests that reduced serotonin transporter expression or elevated 5-HT (1A) receptor capacity to activate G-proteins may account for some of the behavioral phenotypes that are found in BTBR mice
Summary
A Animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders are powerful tools that resemble the corresponding human pathologies. A model’s predictive validity is determined by its ability to reflect a treatment response, analogous to that of the human disorder Mouse models, such as the BTBR T+tf/J (BTBR) mice are invaluable tools in preclinical research for potential treatments, because they can meet the above validities. The 129S1/SvImJ mice had relatively lower levels of exploratory behavior and higher levels of anxiety-like behavior, making them a less attractive mouse strain for ASDs than the BTBR mice [5]. Following this initial examination of the BTBR mice in 2007, many other laboratories have worked to characterize the BTBR mice, behaviorally and physiologically.
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