Shielding Effect of Ryanodine Receptor Modulator in Rat Model of Autism

Introduction: A neurodevelopmental disorder, autism typically identified with three primary behavioral consequences, such as social impairment, communication problems and limited or stereotypical behavior. Because of its co-morbidity and lack of therapeutic options, autism is a global economic burden. A short chain of fatty acid, propionic acid formed biologically by gut microbiome. Propionic acid levels that are too high can cause leaky intestines, which can lead to autism-like symptoms. Methods: To induce autism, male Albino Wistar rats were given propionic acid (250 mg/kg / po on the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd postnatal days). Rats were also received a ryanodine receptor antagonist (Ruthenium red: 3 mg/kg/po; postnatal 21st to 50th day) to see what influence it had on the propionic acid-induced autism. Anxiety, social behavior, and repeated behaviors were all assessed, as well as oxidative stress, inflammatory indicators, neuro signaling proteins, and blood brain barrier permeability. Results: Ruthenium red was found to counter the propionic acid induced increases in anxiety, repetitive behavior prefrontal cortex levels of IL-6, TNF-α, TBARS, Evans blue leakage and water content along with decreases in social behavior, IL-10, and GSH followed by hippocampus CREB and BDNF levels. Conclusion: Ryanodine receptor antagonist presented neuroprotective effect in propionic acid induced conditions like autism by modulatory effects on social and repetitive behavior, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuroprotein changes. Ryanodine receptors can be further explored in depth to manage autism as a condition.