| First Author | Wang HB | Year | 2020 |
| Journal | Neurobiol Dis | Volume | 145 |
| Pages | 105064 | PubMed ID | 32889171 |
| Mgi Jnum | J:301827 | Mgi Id | MGI:6503588 |
| Doi | 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105064 | Citation | Wang HB, et al. (2020) Melatonin treatment of repetitive behavioral deficits in the Cntnap2 mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Neurobiol Dis 145:105064 |
| abstractText | Nighttime light pollution is linked to metabolic and cognitive dysfunction. Many patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) show disturbances in their sleep/wake cycle, and may be particularly vulnerable to the impact of circadian disruptors. In this study, we examined the impact of exposure to dim light at night (DLaN, 5 lx) in a model of ASD: the contactin associated protein-like 2 knock out (Cntnap2 KO) mice. DLaN was sufficient to disrupt locomotor activity rhythms, exacerbate the excessive grooming and diminish the social preference in Cntnap2 mutant mice. On a molecular level, DLaN altered the phase and amplitude of PER2:LUC rhythms in a tissue-specific manner in vitro. Daily treatment with melatonin reduced the excessive grooming of the mutant mice to wild-type levels and improved activity rhythms. Our findings suggest that common circadian disruptors such as light at night should be considered in the management of ASD. |
