Pentoxifylline, possibly by modulating expression of claudins in the hippocampus attenuates autistic-related behaviours in male mice subjected to maternal separation stress

OBJECTIVES: Maternal separation (MS) stress is a risk factor for abnormal behaviors including autism-like behaviors. The blood brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction is involved in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Pentoxifylline (PTX), a methylxanthine commonly used for peripheral vascular disease, has been shown that exerted neuroprotective effects. This study aims to examine the effects of PTX on autistic-like behaviors in MS mice, considering its possible effects on gene expression of claudins (CLDNs), as main molecules regulates BBB integrity. METHODS: was assessed in the hippocampus. RESULTS: genes in the hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS: in the hippocampus.