The Effect of Paeonia lactiflora root on the Memory of Drosophila melanogaster with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Keywords:
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Behavioral neuroscience, Paeonia lactiflora root, Drosophila melanogaster, memory retentionAbstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent problem within the United States, with approximately 1 in 44 children diagnosed. The frontal cortex of ASD brains have 67% more neurons compared with control brains. Increased neuron accumulation negatively impacts memory, as the frontal cortex plays a critical role in tasks containing memory and cannot be overstimulated. Previous research found that Paeonia lactiflora root lowered neurotrophin levels (essential proteins for neuron survival) in the frontal cortex. Due to the connection between ASD and neuron levels, the purpose and novelty of this study is to determine the effect of P. lactiflora root on the memory retention of Drosophila melanogaster by using an Aversive Phototaxic Suppression Assay. The results of the study show a statistically significant difference (P-value = 0.0217) between ASD flies without the root in diet and ASD flies with the root in diet, indicating an increase in memory retention for the flies that were administered the extract. These findings support the original hypothesis that P. lactiflora root would increase memory retention in Drosophila with ASD. By better understanding the effect of P. lactiflora root on the memory retention of ASD, a treatment for this chronic disorder can be found.
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Copyright (c) 2023 Prajith Pandrate
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