Prenatal exposure to valproic acid induces sex-specific alterations in cortical and hippocampal neuronal structure and function in rats.

A recent preprint study explores the effects of prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) on the structure and function of cortical and hippocampal neurons in rats. The study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding sex differences in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by evaluating the differences in neuronal activity, morphology, and signaling between male and female rats exposed to VPA. The findings suggest that there are substantial sex differences in neuronal structure and function in the VPA model, which may have relevance to the reported sex differences in idiopathic ASD. However, it is important to note that this study has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]