Autism Therapy: vasopressin

definition of vasopressin: not yet defined.

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The Vasopressin System – From Antidiuresis to Psychopathology
European Journal of Pharmacology, by Frank, E., and Landgraf R., published in 2008, summarized Sep 26, 2008

Drugs that target the vasopressin system of the body may some day be helpful in the treatment of autism.

This reviews article describes the role of the brain chemical vasopressin in autism. When vasopressin levels were changed in animal studies, the animals sometimes showed signs of autism. Human gene studies have shown that some of the genes that are linked to autism encode for the protein that binds to vasopressin (vasopressin receptor). In people with altered vasopressin receptor genes, it seems that vasopressin levels are normal, but the brain has trouble responding to the levels of vasopressin in the body. There are many studies underway to learn how vasopressin may cause changes in behavior.


Neuropeptides and Social Behavior: Effects of Oxytocin and Vasopressin in Humans
Progress in Brain Research, by Heinrichs, M., and Domes G., published in 2008, summarized Sep 22, 2008

Oxytocin may be a good treatment for autism.

This article reviews the role of the brain chemicals oxytocin and vasopressin on human behavior. Some of the social problems of people with autism mimic the problems seen in animals that lack oxytocin. Many people with autism also have low levels of oxytocin in their blood. Studies of genes have shown that people with autism often have a problem in the gene that codes for the protein that binds oxytocin (oxytocin receptor). Oxytocin can be given by infusion straight into the blood of the patient.


Impact of Prosocial Neuropeptides on Human Brain Function
Progress in Brain Research, by MeyerLindenberg, A., published in 2008, summarized Sep 18, 2008

Oxytocin may be a good therapy for the social anxiety that may be found with autism.

Disturbed social behavior may be a key factor in autism and anxiety. This review article describes the role of the brain chemicals vasopressin and oxytocin in social behavior. The author notes that in many cases, extremes in social behavior can be linked to vasopressin and oxytocin genes. For example, more social animals have more copies of an oxytocin gene. Many people with autism have differences in oxytocin genes and measures of levels of oxytocin in the blood.


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.


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