Survey of serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in autistic rats

Autism syndrome is a complex neurological disorder. The main causes of autism disorder is not fully understood. However, the results of some studies indicated that change in serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has role in autism etiology but, amount and how to change of this factor in not clear today. The aim of this study was to determine the serum levels of BDNF and its relation with repetitive behaviors test in autistic newborn rats. In this study we used 15 virgin female rats that divided into 2 case and control groups; for inducing of autism in their newborns, they exposed to Valporic acid on 12.5 of pregnancy. For measuring serum levels of BDNF and evaluation of repetitive behaviors, we used elisa method and Maze Y test, respectively. The results of this study indicated that in autistic rats, median of BDNF serum levels is significantly increase in compare to the control group (P<0.001). Also, in female rats, serum levels of BDNF is significantly higher than male rats (P<0.01). There wasn’t significant relation between serum levels of BDNF and repetitive behaviors (P=0.23). In summary, we concluded that serum levels of BDNF has change in autism syndrome and it can has role in etiology of this disorder. However, according to conflicting results of studies about serum levels of BDNF and it relation with severity of this disorder, more research recommended.