Submission Type
Poster
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been found to be associated with abnormalities in several neurotransmitters including adenosine. Adenosine is important in energy production and affects brain functions such as sleep, alertness, and cognition. Caffeine is an adenosine receptor antagonist and one of the most widely consumed drugs in North America. Previous studies have found that small doses of caffeine antagonizing adenosine A1 and A2A receptors stimulates locomotor activity. In a mouse model of ASD, we tested the effects of caffeine on repetitive motor behavior, one of the diagnostic criteria for ASD. In addition, we were interested in the interacting effects of hormonal phase and caffeine on repetitive behavior. The mice used in this study are genetically predisposed to repetitive behaviors, specifically, circling. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of the estrous cycle and caffeine on repetitive circling behavior in mice. Estrous samples were taken from each subject. Proestrus and estrus mice were noted to be in a “hot” phase (when progesterone peaks) while mice in metestrus and diestrus were said to be in a “cold” phase. Mice were injected with either saline or caffeine then observed for motor behaviors. Initial results suggest locomotor behavior increases when progesterone is high. A moderate effect of caffeine to increase circling in stereotypic mice was found. Results have broad implications for interacting effects of hormones and drugs on behavior, and for greater caffeine sensitivity in ASD.
Recommended Citation
Geddes, Madison, "318-Interactions between Hormonal Phases and Caffeine on Repetitive Circling Behavior in Mice" (2024). GREAT Day Posters. 87.
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/great-day-symposium/great-day-2024/posters-2024/87
318-Interactions between Hormonal Phases and Caffeine on Repetitive Circling Behavior in Mice
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been found to be associated with abnormalities in several neurotransmitters including adenosine. Adenosine is important in energy production and affects brain functions such as sleep, alertness, and cognition. Caffeine is an adenosine receptor antagonist and one of the most widely consumed drugs in North America. Previous studies have found that small doses of caffeine antagonizing adenosine A1 and A2A receptors stimulates locomotor activity. In a mouse model of ASD, we tested the effects of caffeine on repetitive motor behavior, one of the diagnostic criteria for ASD. In addition, we were interested in the interacting effects of hormonal phase and caffeine on repetitive behavior. The mice used in this study are genetically predisposed to repetitive behaviors, specifically, circling. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of the estrous cycle and caffeine on repetitive circling behavior in mice. Estrous samples were taken from each subject. Proestrus and estrus mice were noted to be in a “hot” phase (when progesterone peaks) while mice in metestrus and diestrus were said to be in a “cold” phase. Mice were injected with either saline or caffeine then observed for motor behaviors. Initial results suggest locomotor behavior increases when progesterone is high. A moderate effect of caffeine to increase circling in stereotypic mice was found. Results have broad implications for interacting effects of hormones and drugs on behavior, and for greater caffeine sensitivity in ASD.