Brattleboro rats, which have a spontaneous mutation disrupting the AVP gene, were shown to display a natural deficit in social discrimination that could be reversed by treatment with clozapine or a neurotensin analog (Feifel et al., 2009). One of the receptors for arginine vasopressin is the protein encoded by the ASD-associated gene AVPR1.
Molecular Function
This gene encodes a member of the vasopressin/oxytocin family and preproprotein that is proteolytically processed to generate multiple protein products, including the neuropeptide hormone arginine vasopressin. Arginine vasopressin plays a role in many biological processes, including cognition, tolerance, adaptation and complex sexual and maternal behaviour.
External Links
References
Type
Title
Type of Disorder
Associated Disorders
Author, Year
Primary
The brattleboro rat displays a natural deficit in social discrimination that is restored by clozapine and a neurotensin analog.
Model Type:
Genetic
Model Genotype:
Homozygous
Mutation:
Spontaneous Brattleboro mutation.
Allele Type: Spontaneous mutation
Strain of Origin: Long Evans
Genetic Background: Long Evans
ES Cell Line: Not Specified
Mutant ES Cell Line: Not Specified
Model Source: Harlan Laboratories
Description: In haloperidol experiment, increased startle response, in clozapine and PD149163 experiments, no change in startle response
Exp Paradigm: Acoustic startle reflex test