Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Improves Social Behavior Alongside Neuroplastic Changes in a Tsc2 +/− Rat Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Experimental study demonstrates that anodal direct current stimulation reduces social deficits in a rat model of autism, suggesting persistent neuroplastic restoration of serotonin.
Key Points
To determine whether repeated anodal transcranial direct current stimulation of the medial prefrontal cortex alleviates autism-relevant social deficits and promotes neuroplasticity in a rodent model.
Male Tsc2 +/- rats with induced developmental status epilepticus and wild-type controls received repeated anodal tDCS (200 μA for 20 min, twice daily) targeting the medial prefrontal cortex for 12 consecutive days.
Social behavior was evaluated across multiple domains at baseline, 2 weeks, and 5 weeks after stimulation.
Postmortem brain analyses evaluated neuroplasticity markers and monoaminergic neurotransmitter levels.
tDCS produced a sustained reduction in social avoidance and transient improvements in social exploration, while social approach improved partially and social recognition deficits remained unaltered.
Stimulation restored abnormal serotonin concentrations in brain regions regulating social behavior, with behavioral gains persisting for up to 5 weeks post-treatment.