Table 1.
Somatosensory deficits in mouse models for autism-risk genes.
| Mouse model |
Behavioral test | Measure | Phenotype | Age at testing | Sex | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Syngap1+/- | Tactile novel object recognition test (NORT) | Time spent exploring the novel object | Increased in HET | 6-8 weeks | M/F | 179 |
| Go/no go task involving whisker deflection | Correct answers reporting whisker deflection | Decreased in HET | ||||
| Fmr1-/- | Tactile defensiveness assay in head-restrained mice | Withdrawal/habituation to whisker stimulation | Increased in KO | PD 14-16 and 35-41 | M/F | 180 |
| Shank2-/- | Electronic von Frey Apparatus | Mechanical withdrawal threshold | Increased in KO | >2 months | n.s. | 181 |
| Hot plate test | Latency to first reaction | Increased in KO | ||||
| Von Frey filaments for allodynia after neuropathic or inflammatory pain | Positive response (licking, biting, withdrawal) | Decreased in KO | ||||
| Cntnap2-/- | Calibrated von Frey hairs | Mechanical withdrawal threshold | Decreased in KO | 8-16 weeks | M/F | 182 |
| Hot plate test | Latency to withdrawal | Decreased in KO (53°C) | ||||
| Pain sensitivity to capsaicin and formalin | Duration of response (licking, biting, paw lifting) | Increased in KO | ||||
|
Mecp2 KO, Skank3B HET, and Fmr1 KO |
Texture specific novel object recognition | Preference for the novel object | Decreased in all models | 6-8 weeks | M/F | 183 |
|
Mecp2 KO, Skank3B HET, and Fmr1 KO |
Tactile prepulse inhibition assay (T-PPI) |
Air puff response | Increased in all models | 6-8 weeks | M/F | 183 |
| Mecp2 cKO in DRG | Texture specific novel object recognition | Preference for the novel object | Decreased in cKO | 6-8 weeks | M/F | 183 |
| T-PPI | Air puff response | Increased in cKO | ||||
|
Gabrb3 HET and Gabrb3 cKO in DRG |
Texture specific novel object recognition | Preference for the novel object | Decreased in both models | 6-8 weeks | M/F | 183 |
| T-PPI | Air puff response | Decreased in both models | ||||
|
Shank3B HET and Shank3B cKO in DRG |
T-PPI | Air puff response | Increased in both models | 6-8 weeks | M/F | 184 |
| Texture specific novel object recognition | Preference for the novel object | Decreased in Shank3B HET | ||||
| En2-/- | Whisker nuisance test | Scoring of avoidance behaviors | Increased in KO | 3-6 months | M/F | 185 |
cKO, conditional knockout; DRG, dorsal root ganglia; F, female; HET, heterozygous; KO, knockout; M, male; NORT, tactile novel object recognition test; n.s., not specified; PD, postnatal day; T-PPI, tactile prepulse inhibition assay.