V 1 a antagonism normalizes a social brain network in valproate rat model of autism revealed by functional MRI

TARGET AUDIENCE: The presented data are of interest for scientists and clinicians involved in imaging and/or drug development with focus on neurodevelopmental disorders. PURPOSE: Vasopressin, akin to oxytocin, is a neuropeptide thought to play an important role in regulating social behavior. Here, we investigated the role of vasopressin in the rat valproate (VPA) model of autism presenting autistic-like behaviors including social behavior deficits, increased repetitive behavior, sensory dysfunction and deficits in communication1,2. The aim was to identify a potential imaging endophenotype in the VPA rat model and, by making use of a potent, selective, brain-penetrant vasopressin receptor 1a (V1a) antagonist, to test the role of the V1a receptor in this particular animal model.