Examining the non-spatial pretraining effect on a water maze spatial learning task in rats treated with multiple intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusions of propionic acid: Contributions to a rodent model of ASD

Jennifer R Mepham; Derrick F MacFabe; Francis H Boon; Kelly A Foley; Donald P Cain; Klaus-Peter Ossenkopp

doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113140

Examining the non-spatial pretraining effect on a water maze spatial learning task in rats treated with multiple intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusions of propionic acid: Contributions to a rodent model of ASD

Behav Brain Res. 2021 Apr 9:403:113140. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113140. Epub 2021 Jan 27.

Authors

Jennifer R Mepham¹, Derrick F MacFabe², Francis H Boon², Kelly A Foley¹, Donald P Cain³, Klaus-Peter Ossenkopp⁴

Affiliations

¹ Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; The Kilee Patchell-Evans Autism Research Group, Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
² Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; The Kilee Patchell-Evans Autism Research Group, Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
³ Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; The Kilee Patchell-Evans Autism Research Group, Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
⁴ Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; The Kilee Patchell-Evans Autism Research Group, Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: ossenkop@uwo.ca.

PMID: 33508348
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113140

Abstract

Propionic acid (PPA) is produced by enteric gut bacteria and is a dietary short chain fatty acid. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusions of PPA in rodents have been shown to produce behavioural changes, including adverse effects on cognition, similar to those seen in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Previous research has shown that repeated ICV infusions of PPA result in impaired spatial learning in a Morris water maze (MWM) as evidenced by increased search latencies, fewer direct and circle swims, and more time spent in the periphery of the maze than control rats. In the current study rats were first given non-spatial pretraining (NSP) in the water maze in order to familiarize the animals with the general requirements of the non-spatial aspects of the task before spatial training was begun. Then the effects of ICV infusions of PPA on acquisition of spatial learning were examined. PPA treated rats failed to show the positive effects of the non-spatial pretraining procedure, relative to controls, as evidenced by increased search latencies, longer distances travelled, fewer direct and circle swims, and more time spent in the periphery of the maze than PBS controls. Thus, PPA treatment blocked the effects of the pretraining procedure, likely by impairing sensorimotor components or memory of the pretraining.

Keywords: Animal model; Autism spectrum disorders; Morris water maze; Non-spatial pretraining; Rat; Short chain fatty acid; Spatial learning.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Autism Spectrum Disorder / chemically induced*
Autism Spectrum Disorder / physiopathology*
Behavior, Animal / drug effects
Disease Models, Animal
Infusions, Intraventricular
Male
Maze Learning / drug effects*
Motor Activity / drug effects*
Propionates / administration & dosage
Propionates / pharmacology*
Rats
Rats, Long-Evans

Substances

Propionates
propionic acid