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Hyperserotoninemia and altered immunity in autism
Nancy K Burgess1, Thayne L Sweeten, William M McMahon
1Department of Neurology, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, 3R330 SOM, Salt Lake City, UT 84132-2305, USA. Robert.Fujinami@hsc.utah.edu
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|April 15, 2006
Summary
Elevated serotonin (5-HT) is common in autism, alongside immune issues. This review explores how 5-HT may link to immune dysfunction and autoimmunity in autism spectrum disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
- Biomedical Science
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently presents with biological anomalies, including elevated whole blood serotonin (5-HT) in approximately one-third of individuals.
- Immune system abnormalities are also a common comorbidity in ASD.
- Serotonin (5-HT) is recognized for its significant role as an immunomodulator, suggesting a potential biological link between these two domains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and explore the potential connections between serotonin (5-HT) and immune abnormalities observed in autism spectrum disorder.
- To investigate the interplay between hyperserotoninemia, cellular immune function, and autoimmune processes in the context of ASD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current research on serotonin (5-HT) and immune function in autism.
- Focus on specific areas: hyperserotoninemia and cellular immunity, autoantibodies to 5-HT receptors, and the role of 5-HT in autoimmunity.
Main Results:
- Elevated serotonin (5-HT) is a consistent finding in a subset of individuals with autism.
- Evidence suggests potential links between altered serotonin (5-HT) levels and immune system dysregulation in ASD.
- Autoantibodies targeting serotonin (5-HT) receptors and the involvement of 5-HT in autoimmune pathways are areas of active investigation.
Conclusions:
- The review highlights the need for further research to elucidate the complex interactions between neuropsychiatric and immune dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder.
- Understanding the role of serotonin (5-HT) in immune modulation may offer new insights into the pathophysiology of ASD and related conditions.
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