Cannflavin B as a Potential Therapeutic Modulating Behavioral and Neuronal Systems Alterations in a Valproic Acid Model
- Canurta
- 9 hours ago
- 1 min read
In a recent preclinical study, University of Guelph researchers evaluated cannflavin B, a rare polyphenolic molecule, in a prenatal valproic acid (VPA) rat model. This model is widely used in neuroscience because it reproduces several behavioural and neuronal systems function alterations that resemble aspects of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Adolescent VPA-exposed rats received a single low dose of cannflavin B, and the team assessed behaviour, brain network activity and markers of neuroinflammation.
Cannflavin B improved social behaviour in VPA-exposed rats of both sexes and reduced anxiety-like behaviour in females, without affecting overall locomotion. At the network level, cannflavin B helped normalize disrupted communication between prefrontal, cingulate and hippocampal regions. The compound also reduced VPA-associated activation of microglia, the brain’s immune cells, in specific regions. In cortical and hippocampal neuronal cultures derived from VPA-exposed animals, cannflavin B promoted more organized firing patterns, supporting healthier neuronal network activity.
These findings show that cannflavin B, a rare polyphenolic molecule, can modulate behaviour, brain network dynamics and neuroinflammation in a VPA model that captures key behavioural and neuronal systems alterations resembling features of autism. This work supports further investigation of cannflavin B and related rare polyphenols in neurodevelopmental and neuroinflammatory conditions.
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