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Updated: May 19, 2026
Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Published on: September 12, 2011
Evidence of microglial activation in autism and its possible role in brain underconnectivity
Juan I Rodriguez1, Janet K Kern
1Stop Calling It Autism, Fort Worth, TX, USA.
Abstract:
Evidence indicates that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suffer from an ongoing neuroinflammatory process in different regions of the brain involving microglial activation. When microglia remain activated for an extended period, the production of mediators is sustained longer than usual and this increase in mediators contributes to loss of synaptic connections and neuronal cell death. Microglial activation can then result in a loss of connections or underconnectivity. Underconnectivity is reported in many studies in autism. One way to control neuroinflammation is to reduce or inhibit microglial activation. It is plausible that by reducing brain inflammation and microglial activation, the neurodestructive effects of chronic inflammation could be reduced and allow for improved developmental outcomes. Future studies that examine treatments that may reduce microglial activation and neuroinflammation, and ultimately help to mitigate symptoms in ASD, are warranted.
Insights
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience brain inflammation due to persistent microglial activation. Reducing this neuroinflammation may improve developmental outcomes and mitigate ASD symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Immunology
Background:
- Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit ongoing neuroinflammation involving microglial activation in the brain.
- Chronic microglial activation leads to sustained mediator production, causing synaptic loss and neuronal cell death, contributing to underconnectivity observed in ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of neuroinflammation and microglial activation in autism spectrum disorder.
- To investigate the potential of reducing neuroinflammation and microglial activation to improve developmental outcomes in ASD.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on neuroinflammation and microglial activation in ASD.
- Analysis of the link between microglial activation, underconnectivity, and neuronal damage.
Main Results:
- Persistent microglial activation is a key feature of neuroinflammation in ASD.
- This activation contributes to synaptic loss, neuronal cell death, and underconnectivity.
Conclusions:
- Reducing neuroinflammation and microglial activation is a potential therapeutic strategy for ASD.
- Further research is warranted to develop treatments targeting microglial activation to mitigate ASD symptoms and improve developmental trajectories.
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