Adult male mice from a maternal immune-activation model were compared with normal-background mice during a seven-day experiment.
What the researchers measured
Social interaction, vocal communication, repetitive behavior, anxiety-related behavior, and body weight were assessed.
How to read this evidence
Researchers studied cells, isolated tissue, or animals. These experiments can help explain a mechanism, but do not establish benefits or safety in people. Human cells grown in a laboratory also belong in this category.
Results in context
Some social measures changed in the model animals, while normal mice showed different responses. Mouse behavior does not establish treatment of autism in people.
What this does not establish
A mouse behavioral model does not establish treatment for human autism; weight loss and model-specific responses limit interpretation.
Publication & source
Why this paper is included
The compound is a named subject of the publication title.
Publication indexing
Journal Article · Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Indexed subjects
Animals · Autistic Disorder · Behavior, Animal · Female · Male · Mice · Mice, Inbred C57BL · Peptides, Cyclic · Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4 · Social Behavior · alpha-MSH
Source checked
October 4, 2026. Years follow journal issues; online-first dates may differ.