The effect of camel milk on pain, anxiety and spatial memory in male offspring of female rat model of autism induced by valproic acid

Background & Aim: Autism is a disorder characterized by anxiety, impairment in memory, and pain. Camel milk has antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to determine the effect of camel milk on pain, anxiety, and spatial memory in male offspring of female model rats induced via valproic acid. Methods: In an experimental study, female Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally valproic acid (500 mg/kg) on day 12.5 of gestation. Then, male offspring were divided into five groups (n=6) including Naïve, risperidone, raw camel milk + risperidone, pasteurized camel milk + risperidone, and valproic acid. In the treatment phase, risperidone was injected at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg, and camel milk was given 10 ml/kg daily for 42 days with a gavage needle on the 35th day after the birth. Pain response, anxiety test, and spatial memory were measured before treatment on days 30 to 35 and also after completion of treatment on days 77-84. Data were analyzed using one-way and two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparison tests Results: After receiving valproic acid and birth of offspring, there was a significant difference in pain response, anxiety, and spatial learning and memory between the naïve group compared to the entire groups after 42 days of treatment (p <0.05, p <0.01). P <0.001, respectively). Response to pain and anxiety decreased after receiving camel milk. Also, there was a significant difference between raw camel milk + risperidone and risperidone group in pain response test and platform finding time in spatial memory test (p <0.05). Conclusion: With the improvement of autism symptoms such as anxiety, memory impairment and learning, camel milk can probably be recommended as a suitable dietary supplement for autistic patients.