Neuroanatomic and behavioral traits for autistic disorders in age-specific restricted index selection mice

▶Our data suggest that A12 mice partially mimic anatomic and behavioral traits of patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, and therefore may yield insights into the developmental mechanisms involved in their pathogenesis. ▶In A12 mice, brain weight and volume were significantly greater than that in A22 mice at P10 and P28. ▶BrdU-positive cells in the A12 strain were significantly greater in the FC and lesser in the DG. ▶The expression of FGF-2, but not BDNF, was significantly increased in the A12 strain. ▶A12 mice exhibited decreased intra-strain social interaction and increased repetitive stereotyped behaviors at P28.