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The serotonin system in autism

E H Cook1, B L Leventhal

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago, IL 60637, USA.

Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|August 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Autism may involve serotonin system differences, including elevated platelet serotonin. Treatments targeting this system can reduce some autism-related behaviors, while reducing serotonin can worsen them.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The serotonin system is implicated in autism, with early findings showing elevated blood serotonin levels in patients.
  • This elevation is specifically linked to increased serotonin content within platelets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent developments in the molecular biology of serotonin receptors.
  • To explore the role of the serotonin system in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on serotonin and autism.
  • Analysis of studies on platelet serotonin transport and receptor binding.
  • Examination of treatment outcomes with serotonin transporter inhibitors.
  • Investigation of effects of acute tryptophan depletion.

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Main Results:

  • Individuals with autism often exhibit elevated platelet serotonin and altered serotonin transport.
  • Decreased serotonin 5-HT2 receptor binding is observed in some subjects.
  • Serotonin transporter inhibitors can decrease ritualistic behavior and aggression in autism.
  • Reduced central nervous system serotonin exacerbates stereotyped behaviors.

Conclusions:

  • The serotonin system plays a significant role in the neurobiology of autism.
  • Modulating the serotonin system offers potential therapeutic targets for managing autism-related behaviors.