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Pathophysiology of autism: current opinions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 June 2014

J Croonenberghs ,
D Deboutte  and
M Maes
J Croonenberghs*
Affiliation:
University of Antwerp, the University Center of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, A.Z.M., Antwerp
D Deboutte
Affiliation:
University of Antwerp, the University Center of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, A.Z.M., Antwerp
M Maes
Affiliation:
The Clinical Research Center for Mental Health (CRC-MH), Antwerp
*
University Center of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, AZ Middelheim Lindendreef 1, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium. Fax: 32 3 2304051; E-mail: jan.croonenberghs@ocmw.antwerpen.be
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Abstract

Research on the neurochemical aspects of the pathophysiology of autism is still increasing and publications are abundant. In this paper we reviewed significant data from the last decade and recent research results from our center. We focused on molecules influencing the central nervous system (CNS) and consecutively responsible for typical autistic behavior. We highlighted the mutual relationship between the serotonergic, immunological and endocrinological system and the interaction of these three pivotal systems with predisposing (genetic)and external (pre-, peri- and postnatal) conditions and xenobiotics. We stressed the influence of age, pubertal stage, sex, race and IQ on biological data. There is growing evidence that the complexity and variability of those interactions might be responsible for the heterogeneity of behavioral phenotypes and biological findings in Autism. Genetic, neuroanatomical and neurophysiological data were mentioned according their relevance to neurochemical opinions.

Keywords

autismpathophysiologyneurochemical aspectsserotoninimmunologyendocrinology
Type
Research Article
Information
Acta Neuropsychiatrica , Volume 14 , Issue 2 , April 2002 , pp. 93 - 102
Copyright
Copyright © Acta Neuropsychiatrica 2002

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