Submission Type
Poster
Abstract
Impaired social interaction is one of three key diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Other criteria for ASD include repetitive behavior and impaired communication skills. The prevalence of this developmental condition is increasing within the United States, yet no cure is currently available. The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high fat, low carb diet that can help many neurological issues in humans, such as epilepsy. This study investigates the effects of KD on social and repetitive behavior using an inbred mouse model genetically predisposed to developing stereotypic behaviors, specifically, repetitive circling. We compared locomotor and social behaviors of older male FVB mice fed KD or standard lab chow. Although we hypothesized that three weeks of KD would increase social interaction and decrease repetitive behavior, we did not find significant effects of KD on behavior in this cohort of mice. To investigate neurobiological changes associated with KD, we compared the expression of cell bodies, astrocytes, and dopamine 2 receptor proteins in the dorsolateral striatum, which is important in movement selection. Because stereotypic mice circle in a preferred direction, we also checked for differences between the contralateral and ipsilateral hemispheres.
Recommended Citation
Grzeskowiak, Abigail, "139-Neurobiological Changes Associated with a Ketogenic Diet in a Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder" (2024). GREAT Day Posters. 34.
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/great-day-symposium/great-day-2024/posters-2024/34
139-Neurobiological Changes Associated with a Ketogenic Diet in a Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Impaired social interaction is one of three key diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Other criteria for ASD include repetitive behavior and impaired communication skills. The prevalence of this developmental condition is increasing within the United States, yet no cure is currently available. The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high fat, low carb diet that can help many neurological issues in humans, such as epilepsy. This study investigates the effects of KD on social and repetitive behavior using an inbred mouse model genetically predisposed to developing stereotypic behaviors, specifically, repetitive circling. We compared locomotor and social behaviors of older male FVB mice fed KD or standard lab chow. Although we hypothesized that three weeks of KD would increase social interaction and decrease repetitive behavior, we did not find significant effects of KD on behavior in this cohort of mice. To investigate neurobiological changes associated with KD, we compared the expression of cell bodies, astrocytes, and dopamine 2 receptor proteins in the dorsolateral striatum, which is important in movement selection. Because stereotypic mice circle in a preferred direction, we also checked for differences between the contralateral and ipsilateral hemispheres.