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Dynamic Clamp Methods to Investigate Impaired Neuronal Excitability Associated with Autism

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Autism Spectrum Disorders: Multiple Routes to, and Multiple Consequences of, Abnormal Synaptic Function and

Liam Carroll¹, Sven Braeutigam², John M Dawes¹

¹Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK.

The Neuroscientist : a Review Journal Bringing Neurobiology, Neurology and Psychiatry

|May 23, 2020

Summary

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) involve altered brain connectivity and synaptic dysfunction. This study hypothesizes that experience-dependent plasticity in frontal and sensory areas explains phenotypic specificity in ASDs.

Keywords:

autism spectrum disorders connectivity maternal immune activation neurodevelopment pain sensitivity phenotypic specificity synaptic dysfunction synaptic plasticity

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Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Published on: September 12, 2011

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Developmental Biology
Genetics

Background:

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions with diverse genetic and environmental causes.
ASDs are characterized by social communication deficits, restricted behaviors, sensory abnormalities, and comorbidities like epilepsy.
Synaptic dysfunction is a common feature in both syndromic and idiopathic ASDs, indicating a disorder of brain connectivity.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the mechanisms underlying altered brain connectivity in ASDs.
To investigate the role of synaptic dysfunction in both central and peripheral systems in ASDs.
To propose a unifying hypothesis for ASD pathophysiology, focusing on phenotypic specificity.

Main Methods:

This is a hypothesis article, reviewing existing evidence on connectivity and synaptic function in ASDs.
It examines potential routes leading to altered connectivity and its consequences.
The article synthesizes theories on brain area vulnerability and phenotypic specificity.

Main Results:

Evidence supports synaptic dysfunction in both central and peripheral nervous systems in ASDs.
Frontotemporal brain areas and peripheral sensory networks show particular vulnerability.
Altered experience-dependent plasticity in these areas may contribute to ASD phenotypes.

Conclusions:

Phenotypic specificity in ASDs may arise from aberrant experience-dependent plasticity in frontal and peripheral sensory networks.
The vulnerability of these specific brain areas could offer a unified model for understanding ASD pathophysiology.
Further research is needed to validate these hypotheses and explore therapeutic targets.