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Plasma excitatory amino acids in autism
H Moreno-Fuenmayor1, L Borjas, A Arrieta
1Servicio de Medicina Genética Perinatal, Hospital Chiquinquirá, Maracaibo, Venezuela.
Investigacion Clinica
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Plasma amino acid levels in autistic children show significant differences. Elevated glutamate, aspartate, and taurine, alongside decreased glutamine and asparagine, suggest potential neurotransmitter imbalances in autism.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
- Neurotransmitter imbalances are implicated in ASD pathophysiology.
- Amino acids play crucial roles as neurotransmitters and metabolic intermediates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma amino acid profiles in young autistic children.
- To identify specific amino acid abnormalities associated with autism.
Main Methods:
- Plasma amino acid levels were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
- Analysis included fourteen autistic children under 10 years of age.
- Comparison was made against established normal reference values.
Main Results:
- Elevated mean plasma levels of glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and taurine were observed.
- Significantly lower mean levels of glutamine and asparagine were found in autistic children.
- Individual variations were noted, with some children exhibiting combined elevations or reductions.
Conclusions:
- Abnormal plasmatic levels of neurotransmitter amino acids are present in some autistic children.
- Elevated glutamate may stem from dietary factors, metabolic issues, receptor defects, or transporter alterations.
- Increased taurine levels might represent a compensatory, calcium-dependent mechanism.