Effect of simvastatin on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/TrkB pathway in hippocampus of autism rat model

Purpose: To study the effect of simvastatin on behavioral performance in a rat model autism, and its hippocampal brain-derived BDNF-TrkB pathway.
 Methods: Twelve rats with valproic acid (VPA)-induced autism were randomly divided into group group, while six healthy served as normal control group. Rats received drug (5 mg/kg) via i.p. route, injected equivalent volume saline place simvastatin. Capacity for interaction repetitive stereotyped behavior, well results Morris water maze test determined each The expressions proteins assayed immunoblotting.
 Results: frequencies sniffing saline, alcohol urine significantly higher than rats, but they lower simvastatin-treated (p < 0.05). There was duration turning, jumping grooming reduced relative to rats. Escape latency times longer controls, number target quadrant crossings reduced. However, escape time higher. had down-regulated levels BDNF TrkB protein, there markedly these rats.
 Conclusion: Simvastatin improves autistic by regulating BDNF/TrkB signal axis. This finding may be useful development new drugs treating autism.