Main Category: Autism
Article Date: 17 Sep 2012 - 0:00 PDT
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Neuronal Circuits In Autism Can Be Reversed
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People with autism suffer from a pervasive developmental disorder of the brain that becomes evident in early childhood.
A specific dysfunction in neuronal circuits has been identified, by Professors Peter Scheiffele and Kaspar Vogt at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, that results from autism.
The researchers also discovered a way to reverse these neuronal changes. They believe that their findings, published in the journal Science, will have a great effect in drug development for treating autism.
Current estimates have revealed that about 1% of all kids develop an autistic spectrum disorder.
Autism is a hereditary developmental disorder of the brain, where people may experience fixed behavioral traits, disabled social functioning,and restricted speech development.
There are several mutations in over 300 genes identified as a central risk factor for the development of autism. One example is the gene neuroligin-3, which has a role in the formation of synapses- a structure that permits a neuron to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another cell.
Neuroligin-3 Loss Inhibits Neuronal Signal Transmission
Animal studies can be conducted to identify the effects of neuroligin-3 loss. For example, behavioral patterns that reflect important characteristics observed in autism were recognized in mice who did not have the gene for neuroligin-3.Roche and a team of researchers from the Biozentrum at the University of Basel have detected a fault in the way signals are transmitted through the synapses that change the plasticity and function of the neuronal circuits.
These negative outcomes are associated with an increased output of a particular neuronal glutamate receptor- in charge of regulating the signal transmission between neurons. The brain's function and development is disrupted over time by an excess of these receptors, which inhibits the adaptation of the synaptic signal transmission during the learning process.
Most importantly, the scientists have discovered that the impaired development of the neuronal circuit in the brain can be reversed.
When the production of neuroligin-3 in the mice was reactivated, the nerve cells reduced the production of the glutamate receptors to a normal level and the structural defects in the brain typical for autism were gone. Consequently, these glutamate receptors could be targeted in the development of drugs that could stop autism from developing or even reverse it.
A Better Future For The Treatment of Autism
At present, there is no cure for autism, but the symptoms can be reduced by engaging in behavioral therapy and other treatment.Fortunately, a new way of treating the disorder has been uncovered through these findings.
In a particular European Union supported project, EU-AIMS, and the research groups from the Biozentrum are working with Roche to figure out how to use glutamate receptor antagonists for the treatment of autism. Researchers hope that in the near future, both adults and children with autism can be successfully treated.
Written by Sarah Glynn
Copyright: Medical News Today
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Visitor Opinions (latest shown first)
Not Just Hereditary
posted by Doc Rick on 15 Sep 2012 at 11:12 pmThis article states that "Autism is a hereditary developmental disorder of the brain". The fact that 1 in 88 kids are now being born with autism (CDC 2012) indicates something deeper than heredity is going on. Autism has spiked in the past 20 years--and men are 4 times as likely to cause autism (Nature 2012). The evidence points to accidental, self-imposed reproductive cell damage by men via RF Energy causing up to 60% of autism. We have the easiest-to-solve public health crisis of our time...and we’re not solving it.
autism is mercury poisoning causing autoimmune disease
posted by barbara on 15 Sep 2012 at 3:01 pmThis is not truth, autism is not an inherited disease, autism in the regressive form is mercury poisoning, compare this to today's "news". http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1012104/pdf/brjindmed00016-0019.pdf
With mercury continuing in trace amounts, and in full doses with flu vaccines, we will not end autism.
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