Abstract
Despite the great number of observations being made concerning cellular and the molecular dysfunctions associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), the basic central mechanism of these disorders has not been proposed in the major scientific literature. Our review brings evidence that most heterogeneous symptoms of ASD have a common set of events closely connected with dysregulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the brain with enhancement of excitatory receptor function by pro-inflammatory immune cytokines as the underlying mechanism. We suggest that environmental and dietary excitotoxins, mercury, fluoride, and aluminum can exacerbate the pathological and clinical problems by worsening excitotoxicity and by microglial priming. In addition, each has effects on cell signaling that can affect neurodevelopment and neuronal function. Our hypothesis opens the door to a number of new treatment modes, including the nutritional factors that naturally reduce excitotoxicity and brain inflammation.
Keywords: Autism spectrum disorders, excitotoxicity, fluoride, glutamatergic neurotransmission, inflammation, mercury, microglia, cytokines
Current Medicinal Chemistry
Title: Immune-Glutamatergic Dysfunction as a Central Mechanism of the Autism Spectrum Disorders
Volume: 16 Issue: 2
Author(s): R. L. Blaylock and A. Strunecka
Affiliation:
Keywords: Autism spectrum disorders, excitotoxicity, fluoride, glutamatergic neurotransmission, inflammation, mercury, microglia, cytokines
Abstract: Despite the great number of observations being made concerning cellular and the molecular dysfunctions associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), the basic central mechanism of these disorders has not been proposed in the major scientific literature. Our review brings evidence that most heterogeneous symptoms of ASD have a common set of events closely connected with dysregulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the brain with enhancement of excitatory receptor function by pro-inflammatory immune cytokines as the underlying mechanism. We suggest that environmental and dietary excitotoxins, mercury, fluoride, and aluminum can exacerbate the pathological and clinical problems by worsening excitotoxicity and by microglial priming. In addition, each has effects on cell signaling that can affect neurodevelopment and neuronal function. Our hypothesis opens the door to a number of new treatment modes, including the nutritional factors that naturally reduce excitotoxicity and brain inflammation.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Blaylock L. R. and Strunecka A., Immune-Glutamatergic Dysfunction as a Central Mechanism of the Autism Spectrum Disorders, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2009; 16 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986709787002745
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986709787002745 |
Print ISSN 0929-8673 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-533X |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances in Medicinal Chemistry: From Cancer to Chronic Diseases.
The broad spectrum of the issue will provide a comprehensive overview of emerging trends, novel therapeutic interventions, and translational insights that impact modern medicine. The primary focus will be diseases of global concern, including cancer, chronic pain, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune conditions, providing a broad overview of the advancements in ...read more
Approaches to the treatment of chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of numerous diseases, significantly impacting global health. Although chronic inflammation is a hot topic, not much has been written about approaches to its treatment. This thematic issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in chronic inflammation treatment and foster discussion on future directions in this ...read more
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Non-Infectious Inflammatory Diseases: Focus on Clinical Implications
The Special Issue covers the results of the studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms of non-infectious inflammatory diseases, in particular, autoimmune rheumatic diseases, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other age-related disorders such as type II diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, etc. Review and research articles as well as methodology papers that summarize ...read more
Chalcogen-modified nucleic acid analogues
Chalcogen-modified nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides have been of great interest to scientific research for many years. The replacement of oxygen in the nucleobase, sugar or phosphate backbone by chalcogen atoms (sulfur, selenium, tellurium) gives these biomolecules unique properties resulting from their altered physical and chemical properties. The continuing interest in ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Collateral Damage Control in Cancer Therapy: Defining the Stem Identity in Gliomas
Current Pharmaceutical Design Enantiopure 1,2,3-Triazolyl-β-amino Acids via Click Cycloaddition Reaction on Racemic Alkynyl Precursors Followed by Separation of Stereoisomers
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry In Silico Studies in Drug Research Against Neurodegenerative Diseases
Current Neuropharmacology Beyond Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors for Treating Alzheimer's Disease: α7-nAChR Agonists in Human Clinical Trials
Current Pharmaceutical Design Preface:
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Therapeutic Hypothermia as a Neuroprotective Strategy in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury
Current Molecular Medicine The Putative Neuroprotective Role of Neuropeptide Y in the Central Nervous System
Current Drug Targets - CNS & Neurological Disorders Nano-Neurotherapeutics (NNTs): An Emergent and Multifaceted Tool for CNS Disorders
Current Drug Metabolism Application of MicroPET in Basic Epilepsy Research
Current Medical Imaging The Role of Orexin System in Antipsychotics Induced Weight Gain
Current Psychiatry Reviews Phytol a Natural Diterpenoid with Pharmacological Applications on Central Nervous System: A Review
Recent Patents on Biotechnology MicroRNAs in CAG Trinucleotide Repeat Expansion Disorders: an Integrated Review of the Literature
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Drugs From the Sea: Conotoxins as Drug Leads for Neuropathic Pain and Other Neurological Conditions
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Serotonergic Drugs: Agonists/Antagonists at Specific Serotonergic Subreceptors for the Treatment of Cognitive, Depressant and Psychotic Symptoms in Alzheimer’s Disease
Current Pharmaceutical Design Neurological Complications of Anderson-Fabry Disease
Current Pharmaceutical Design The Enigmatic Drug Binding Site for Sodium Channel Inhibitors
Current Molecular Pharmacology Inflammation in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Friend or Foe?
Current Aging Science Neuroimaging of Cancer Patients for Psychosocial Support and Patient Care
Current Medical Imaging Redox Signaling Pathways Involved in Neuronal Ischemic Preconditioning
Current Neuropharmacology Physiological and Pharmacological Insights into the Role of Ionic Channels in Cardiac Pacemaker Activity
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets