Chronic administration of low dose aspirin alleviates ASD-like behaviors and activates AMPK in valproic acid-exposed rats

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder distinguished by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted/repetitive behaviors. There has been a global increase in the prevalence of ASD, yet the underlying causes of ASD remain inadequately understood, and there is currently no pharmacological intervention for the core symptoms of ASD. However, recent studies have suggested that aspirin may have the potential for use in the treatment of ASD. Pregnant rats were administered either VPA or normal saline on gestational day 12.5. The male pups were administered a low dose of aspirin (1 mg/kg) or a vehicle control daily from postnatal day 23 to day 52. ASD-like behaviors were assessed by social interaction, spontaneous grooming test, open field test and light-dark transitions. The activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was quantified by measuring the level of p-AMPK using an immunoblotting assay. Chronic administration of low dose aspirin resulted in significant improvements in social approach deficits, a reduction in repetitive grooming, and the alleviation of anxiety-like behavior in ASD rats. Furthermore, aspirin administration also led to the activation of AMPK in the hippocampus of rats exposed to VPA. These results raise the question of the need for further investigation of agents with mechanisms related to aspirin in ASD. •Chronic administration of low dose aspirin improves social deficits in VPA-exposed young SD rats.•Chronic administration of low dose aspirin significant enhances the AMPK activity in hippocampus.•Prenatal VPA exposure causes ASD-like behavioural abnormalities and reduces AMPK activity in rats.