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Aluminium in brain tissue in autism
Matthew Mold1, Dorcas Umar2, Andrew King3
1The Birchall Centre, Lennard-Jones Laboratories, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom.
Summary
This study found significantly high levels of aluminium in the brain tissue of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Aluminium was predominantly located within non-neuronal cells, suggesting a potential role in ASD etiology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Environmental Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with unknown causes.
- Genetic and environmental factors, including toxins, are implicated in ASD.
- Previous research has tentatively linked human exposure to aluminium with ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify aluminium levels in the brain tissue of individuals diagnosed with ASD.
- To identify the cellular localization of aluminium within the brain using fluorescence microscopy.
Main Methods:
- Transversely heated graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (THGFAAS) was used to measure aluminium content.
- Aluminium-selective fluorescence microscopy was employed to visualize aluminium distribution in brain tissue.
Main Results:
- Consistently high aluminium concentrations were detected in the brain tissue of all five ASD donors.
- Aluminium was observed intracellularly within microglia-like cells and other inflammatory non-neuronal cells.
- The observed aluminium levels are among the highest recorded in human brain tissue.
Conclusions:
- The elevated and specific cellular localization of aluminium in non-neuronal cells of ASD brains warrants further investigation.
- These findings may provide insights into the origin of brain aluminium and its potential role in autism spectrum disorder.
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