Impaired synaptic function and hyperexcitability of the pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex of autism-associated Shank3 mutant dogs.

Our study demonstrated the feasibility of using canine brain slices as a model system to study neuronal circuitry and disease. Shank3 haploinsufficiency causes morphological and functional abnormalities in PFC pyramidal neurons, supporting the notion that Shank3 mutant dogs are new and valid animal models for autism research.