The Overexpression of eIF4E Decreases Oxytocin Levels and Induces Social Cognitive Behavioral Disorders in Mice

Overexpression of the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (<i>eIF4E</i>) gene has been associated with excessive stereotypic behaviors and reduced sociability, which manifest as autism-like social cognitive deficits. However, the precise mechanisms by which <i>eIF4E</i> overexpression insufficiently induces these autism-like behaviors and the specific brain regions implicated remain insufficiently understood. Oxytocin (OXT), a neurotransmitter known for its role in social behavior, has been proposed to modulate certain autism-related symptoms by influencing microglial function and attenuating neuroinflammation. Nonetheless, the contributions of the hippocampus and oxytocin in the content of <i>eIF4E</i> overexpression-induced autistic behaviors remain elucidated. To investigate this issue, researchers utilized the three-chamber social interaction test, the open-field test, and the Morris water maze to evaluate the social cognitive behaviors of the two groups of mice. Additionally, ELISA, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and qRT-PCR were employed to quantify oxytocin levels and assess hippocampal microglial activation. The results indicate that overexpression of <i>eIF4E</i> in mice is associated with significant impairments in social cognition, alongside pronounced marked hyperactivation of hippocampal microglia.