Degree
Master of Science
Program
Neuroscience
Supervisor
Dr. Klaus-Peter Ossenkopp
2nd Supervisor
Dr. Martin Kavaliers
Joint Supervisor
Abstract
Dietary and gastrointestinal factors may contribute to the etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Propionic acid (PPA) is a short chain fatty acid that is an intermediary of fatty acid metabolism and a fermentation by-product of enteric bacteria. Using a single infusion (Chapter 2) and repeated infusions (Chapter 3), the temporal relationship between PPA-induced locomotor activity and astrocyte/microglial changes was demonstrated. Adult Long-Evans rats were centrally infused with 4µl of 0.26M PPA or 0.1M PBS vehicle once or once a week for four weeks. Locomotor activity was evaluated for 20 minutes following infusion and again several days later to assess drug-free activity. Rats were perfused at various time-points post-final infusion, and brain tissue was immunohistochemically (GFAP, CD68) analyzed. PPA produced rapid increases in locomotor activity and later, pronounced changes in glial cell activation. PPA’s effects on neurotransmitters, calcium signaling, mitochondrial metabolism, and immune functioning are likely underlying mechanisms.
Recommended Citation
Holbrook, Stacey, "The effects of a single acute and repeated intracerebroventricular infusions of propionic acid on locomotor activity and neuroinflammation in rats" (2013). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 1315.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/1315