Sodium valproate: Effects on social behaviour and physical development in the mouse

Abstract

Sodium valproate given in drinking fluid at 600 mg/l (160–180 mg/kg daily) to breeding mice did not affect fertility, birth weights or physical development of pups. Postnatal and postweaning administration of this dose also had no effects upon development or weight gain. The offspring ingested 103–158 mg/kg valproate daily after weaning. Behaviour was examined in a neutral enclosure by ethological methods. Offspring exposed to valproate in utero and throughout postnatal life showed no behavioural changes at 5 weeks, although at 15 weeks Immobility was reduced in females and Social Investigation increased. At 25 weeks when encountering mice of the opposite sex, treated males showed increase in Social Investigation and treated females increases in Other Non-social Activity. Postnatal and postweaning treatment with valproate caused behavioural changes both in juveniles and adults. After postnatal exposure, reduced Immobility with increased Social Investigation and Explore and Scan occurred at 5 and 15 weeks, at 25 weeks valproate increased Social Investigation in males encountering females and at 30 weeks enhanced Aggression in pair-housed males. Stimulation of Social Investigation was the only significant behavioural effect after postweaning exposure. Overall valproate appears to enhance behaviour stimulated by the test situation; urinary pheromones do not appear to play a part in this behavioural action.