Glutamaic System in autism
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Recently there is evidence that the glutamate system is affected in autism. Patients with autism have higher blood levels of glutamate than unaffected individuals. Abnormalities of the glutamate system are seen in studies of brains of deceased autistic patients. Genetic studies have shown mutations of glutamate genes in autistic individuals.
. . .Amantadine, a weak inhibitor of the NMDA glutamate receptor, has been tested in autism. The study showed some improvement in irritability and hyperactivity; however, amantadine has a very weak affinity for this receptor and therefore very high doses would be required to get an adequate effect.
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Participate in Research - :: Cure Autism Now ::
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This is a study being done in NY.Number of Participants Needed:
60 at all sites
10 at Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Start Date of Recruiting: July 15, 2006
Closure Date: December 31, 2007
Time Commitment Length:
24 weeks
Participate in Research - :: Cure Autism Now ::
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It will be interesting to see these results
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The largest search for autism genes to date, funded in part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has implicated components of the brain's glutamate chemical messenger system and a previously overlooked site on chromosome 11. Based on 1,168 families with at least two affected members, the genome scan adds to evidence that tiny, rare variations in genes may heighten risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
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Clues emerged adding to evidence that implicates components of the brain's glutamate neurotransmitter system in autism. Glutamate increases neuronal activity and plays an important role in wiring up the brain during early development. Since autism likely stems from faulty wiring, a genetic blueprint gone awry in this pivotal neurotransmitter system is a prime suspect. Some key genes associated with the glutamate system are located in chromosome regions previously associated with autism, note the researchers.
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Previous studies have also linked abnormal glutamate functioning to disorders such as Fragile X syndrome and tuberous sclerosis, which share some symptoms with autism. It's not unusual for individuals with either syndrome to be diagnosed with autism.
Among the new clues is stronger evidence for an association between autism and sites of genes for neurexins, molecules that build glutamate synapses – the connection machinery by which brain cells communicate.
A site on chromosome 11 most strongly linked to autism in this study harbors genes for proteins that shuttle glutamate across the synapse. Although detected previously, the linkage signal at this site was regarded as less important until now.
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Largest-ever search for autism genes reveals new clues
See also Hypography threads on schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, 'MSG Chain Letter meme, and Clinical depression.
