The role of the endocannabinoid system as a therapeutic target for autism spectrum disorder: Lessons from behavioral studies on mouse models

Pietropaolo S(1), Marsicano G(2).

Author information:
(1)Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000, Bordeaux, France.
Electronic address: .
(2)INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, 146 rue Léo Saignat, 33077, Bordeaux
Cedex, France.

Recent years have seen an impressive amount of research devoted to understanding
the etiopathology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and developing therapies for
this syndrome. Because of the lack of biomarkers of ASD, this work has been
largely based on the behavioral characterization of rodent models, based on a
multitude of genetic and environmental manipulations. Here we highlight how the
endocannabinoid system (ECS) has recently emerged within this context of mouse
behavioral studies as an etiopathological factor in ASD and a valid potential
therapeutic target. We summarize the most recent results showing alterations of
the ECS in rodent models of ASD, and demonstrating ASD-like behaviors in mice
with altered ECS, induced either by genetic or pharmacological manipulations. We
also give a critical overview of the most relevant advances in designing
treatments and novel mouse models for ASD targeting the ECS, highlighting the
relevance of thorough and innovative behavioral approaches to investigate the
mechanisms acting underneath the complex features of ASD.

Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

 

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