Autism Therapy: neurotransmitters

definition of neurotransmitters: not yet defined.

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Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Neurotransmitter Signaling Pathways Involved in Motivation and Reward as Therapeutic Targets
Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets, by Walker, MA, published in 2008, summarized Sep 2, 2008

Several brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) may be good targets for future autism therapy drugs.

This article reviews genetic causes of autism and describes future approaches to drug therapy. The behaviors of people with autism can vary quite a bit. A great deal of research is going on to try and understand the biology and chemistry that form the basis of these behaviors. Many brain chemicals have been linked to autism and these might be targets for drug therapy. Some of the brain chemicals include oxytocin, vasopressin, dopamine, GABA, and acetylcholine.


Biological Correlates of Childhood Autism: Trace Elements
Trace Elem Electrolytes, by Fido, A., Dashti S., and Al-Saad S., published in 2002, summarized Dec 1, 2006

This article describes a study showing that children with autism may have lower levels of several important minerals than children without autism.

The authors outline research which suggests that several disorders of brain function have been traced to low levels of minerals. Minerals are critical for the function of the brain. They are necessary for everything from the production of neurotransmitters to communication between brain cells. The study focused on 40 children with autism (3-7 years old). Levels of several minerals in the hair of these children were compared with hair from 40 children without autism. The results showed that magnesium, calcium, zinc, copper, manganese and chromium were all significantly lower in the children with autism than in the children without autism. However, children with autism were most likely to have low levels of four of these minerals: calcium, copper, zinc, and chromium.


Is There a Basis for Novel Pharmacotherapy of Autism?
Life Sciences, by Hunsinger, DM, Nguyen T., Zebraski SE, and Raffa RB, published in 2000, summarized Oct 21, 2006

This article gives an overview of the research on the biological causes of autism and potential complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies for autism.

The authors describe the symptoms of autism, and then briefly discuss the differences between the brains of people with and without autism. According to the authors, some of these differences suggest that the usual brain development seen in individuals without autism is somehow short-circuited in those with autism. This could be due to many factors, including differences in metabolism, digestion, and the production of neurotransmitters. Next, several medicines used to treat autism are described, many of which affect neurotransmitters or their receptors. CAM treatments are also described, including supplements, immune treatments, and oxytocin infusion.


Pyridoxine – Vitamin B6
Journal of Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, by Holman, P., published in 1995, summarized Oct 21, 2006

This article gives an overview of the biochemistry of vitamin B6, highlighting the importance of this nutrient to human health.

The author first explains that vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is converted into the active form (PLP) in the liver. PLP is then involved in over 60 naturally-occurring chemical reactions in the body and brain, including the creation of several important neurotransmitters. The author points out that in children, B6 intake is often too low. B6 deficiency can result in depression, moodiness, sleeplessness, and lack of motivation. The author outlines the evidence for the use of B6 supplementation in several disorders, including autism, heart disease, depression, immune disorders, and premenstrual syndrome. Finally, the author concludes with a discussion of the side effects of extremely high doses of B6 (2-6 grams per day), which include numbness and difficulty walking.


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Responding to neurotransmitters

Dec 28, 2010 by Anonymous

Thanks for the information of your article, especially about <a href="http://neurotransmitters-disorders.blogspot.com/">neurotransmitters</a> and <a href="http://neurotransmitters-disorders.blogspot.com/2010/12/pyridoxine-responsive-and-unresponsive.html">pyridoxine</a>.


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