BioModels offers a BTBR autism model. Autism spectrum disorder is modeled using BTBR mice which display several symptoms of autism including reduced social interactions, and abnormal vocalizations. These unique behavioral phenotypes of the BTBR mouse represent possible analogs to social and communication deficits presented in the human condition. BioModels has validated an index of sociability in BTBR mice using the three chambered social approach test. This model is well-published and translatable to social and communication deficits presented in the human condition.
Mice are free to explore 3 chambers: one with a confined mouse (stranger), one with a novel object (center), and one empty, as a measure of social preference. (** p<0.01, **** p<0.0001; compared to stranger)