Improved assessment of sensorimotor gating in animal models relevant to ASD: A data modelling approach to quantify PrePulse Inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex
Habituation/exhaustion occurred in all animals during PPI testing. Classic ANOVA analysis may lead to false positive effects. Mixed models and the use of a new calculation of PPI show that females Exhibit 30% less PPI compared to males. Animals exposed to VPA or EDCs do not show any deficit in PPI. Stressful test conditions and inaccurate data modeling are limiting factors for extrapolating animal PPI data to humans.