Inhibiting silence information regulator 2 and glutaminase in the amygdala can improve social behavior in autistic rats.

Objective: To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which silence information regulator (SIRT) 2 and glutaminase (GLS) in the amygdala regulate social behaviors in autistic rats.

Methods: Rat models of autism were established by maternal sodium valproic acid (VPA) exposure in wild-type rats and -knockout ( ) rats. Glutamate (Glu) content, brain weight, and expression levels of SIRT2, GLS proteins and apoptosis-associated proteins in rat amygdala at different developmental stages were examined, and the social behaviors of VPA rats were assessed by a three-chamber test. Then, lentiviral overexpression or interference vectors of GLS were injected into the amygdala of VPA rats. Brain weight, Glu content and expression level of GLS protein were measured, and the social behaviors assessed.

Results: Brain weight, amygdala Glu content and the levels of SIRT2, GLS protein and pro-apoptotic protein caspase-3 in the amygdala were increased in VPA rats, while the level of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was decreased (all <0.01). Compared with the wild-type rats, rats displayed decreased expression of SIRT2 and GLS proteins in the amygdala, reduced Glu content, and improved social dysfunction (all <0.01). Overexpression of GLS increased brain weight and Glu content, and aggravated social dysfunction in VPA rats (all <0.01). Knockdown of GLS decreased brain weight and Glu content, and improved social dysfunction in VPA rats (all <0.01).

Conclusions: The glutamate circulatory system in the amygdala of VPA induced autistic rats is abnormal. This is associated with the upregulation of SIRT2 expression and its induced increase of GLS production; knocking out gene or inhibiting the expression of GLS is helpful in maintaining the balanced glutamate cycle and in improving the social behavior disorder of rats.