Behavioral improvements in a valproic acid rat model of autism following vitamin D supplementation

The aim was to identify the effects of early vitamin D supplementation on autism-like behaviors (ASD) induced by valproic acid (VPA, an anti-convulsant and a mood stabilizer) in rats. 10 male Wistar rat pups with prenatal exposure to saline were in control group, and 20 Pups with prenatal exposure to VPA were divided into ASD-N (0.9% saline treated) and ASD-D group (vitamin D 80,000 IU/kg treated) on postnatal day 12. Self-grooming, olfactory habituation/dishabituation, and social interaction tests were conducted to assess social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D3) was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results showed that compared with the control group, the ASD-N group exhibited increased self-grooming, and decreased pinning and serum 25(OH)D3. Furthermore, the repetitive behavior of the ASD-N group exhibited a negative linear relationship with serum 25(OH)D3 on PND 42. In conclusion, early vitamin D supplementation in infant rat with ASD induced by VPA significantly improved development and behavior of rats related with ASD.