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Thomson AR, Pasanta D, Arichi T, Puts NA. Neurometabolite differences in Autism as assessed with Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105728. [PMID: 38796123 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
1H-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive technique that can be used to quantify the concentrations of metabolites in the brain in vivo. MRS findings in the context of autism are inconsistent and conflicting. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of MRS studies measuring glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), as well as brain metabolites involved in energy metabolism (glutamine, creatine), neural and glial integrity (e.g. n-acetyl aspartate (NAA), choline, myo-inositol) and oxidative stress (glutathione) in autism cohorts. Data were extracted and grouped by metabolite, brain region and several other factors before calculation of standardised effect sizes. Overall, we find significantly lower concentrations of GABA and NAA in autism, indicative of disruptions to the balance between excitation/inhibition within brain circuits, as well as neural integrity. Further analysis found these alterations are most pronounced in autistic children and in limbic brain regions relevant to autism phenotypes. Additionally, we show how study outcome varies due to demographic and methodological factors , emphasising the importance of conforming with standardised consensus study designs and transparent reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice R Thomson
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King's College London, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, UK; Centre for the Developing Brain, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Duanghathai Pasanta
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King's College London, UK
| | - Tomoki Arichi
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, UK; Centre for the Developing Brain, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nicolaas A Puts
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King's College London, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, UK.
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2
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Demler VF, Sterner EF, Wilson M, Zimmer C, Knolle F. The impact of spectral basis set composition on estimated levels of cingulate glutamate and its associations with different personality traits. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:320. [PMID: 38664663 PMCID: PMC11044602 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05646-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 1H-MRS is increasingly used in basic and clinical research to explain brain function and alterations respectively. In psychosis research it is now one of the main tools to investigate imbalances in the glutamatergic system. Interestingly, however, the findings are extremely variable even within patients of similar disease states. One reason may be the variability in analysis strategies, despite suggestions for standardization. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the extent to which the basis set configuration- which metabolites are included in the basis set used for analysis- would affect the spectral fit and estimated glutamate (Glu) concentrations in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and whether any changes in levels of glutamate would be associated with psychotic-like experiences and autistic traits. METHODS To ensure comparability, we utilized five different exemplar basis sets, used in research, and two different analysis tools, r-based spant applying the ABfit method and Osprey using the LCModel. RESULTS Our findings revealed that the types of metabolites included in the basis set significantly affected the glutamate concentration. We observed that three basis sets led to more consistent results across different concentration types (i.e., absolute Glu in mol/kg, Glx (glutamate + glutamine), Glu/tCr), spectral fit and quality measurements. Interestingly, all three basis sets included phosphocreatine. Importantly, our findings also revealed that glutamate levels were differently associated with both schizotypal and autistic traits depending on basis set configuration and analysis tool, with the same three basis sets showing more consistent results. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights that scientific results may be significantly altered depending on the choices of metabolites included in the basis set, and with that emphasizes the importance of carefully selecting the configuration of the basis set to ensure accurate and consistent results, when using MR spectroscopy. Overall, our study points out the need for standardized analysis pipelines and reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena F Demler
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Elisabeth F Sterner
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Wilson
- Centre for Human Brain Health and School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Claus Zimmer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Franziska Knolle
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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3
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Li Y, Dai W, Wang T, Wu Y, Dou F, Xing D. Visual surround suppression at the neural and perceptual levels. Cogn Neurodyn 2024; 18:741-756. [PMID: 38699623 PMCID: PMC11061091 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-023-10027-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Surround suppression was initially identified as a phenomenon at the neural level in which stimuli outside the neuron's receptive field alone cannot activate responses but can modulate neural responses to stimuli covered inside the receptive field. Subsequent studies showed that surround suppression is not only a critical property of neurons across species and brain areas but also has been found in visual perceptions. More importantly, surround suppression varies across individuals and shows significant differences between normal controls and patients with certain mental disorders. Here, we combined results from related literature and summarized the findings derived from physiological and psychophysical evidence. We first outline the basic properties of surround suppression in the visual system and perceptions. Then, we mainly summarize the differences in perceptual surround suppression among different human subjects. Our review suggests that there is no consensus regarding whether the strength of perceptual surround suppression could be used as an effective index to distinguish particular populations. Then, we summarized the similar mechanisms for surround suppression and cognitive impairments to further explore the potential clinical applications of surround suppression. A clearer understanding of the mechanisms of surround suppression in neural responses and perceptions is necessary for facilitating its clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- School of Criminology, People’s Public Security University of China, Beijing, 100038 China
| | - Weifeng Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Tian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Yujie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Fei Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Dajun Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
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4
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Velu L, Pellerin L, Julian A, Paccalin M, Giraud C, Fayolle P, Guillevin R, Guillevin C. Early rise of glutamate-glutamine levels in mild cognitive impairment: Evidence for emerging excitotoxicity. J Neuroradiol 2024; 51:168-175. [PMID: 37777087 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurad.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) non invasive technique to assess the modifications of glutamate-glutamine (Glx) and gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA) brain levels in patients reporting a cognitive complain METHODS: Posterior cingular cortex 1H-MRS spectra of 46 patients (19 male, 27 female) aged 57 to 87 years (mean : 73.32 ± 7.33 years) with a cognitive complaint were examined with a MEGA PRESS sequence at 3T, and compounds Glutamateglutamine (Glx), GABA, Creatine (Cr) and NAA were measured. From this data the metabolite ratios Glx/Cr, GABA/Cr and NAA/Cr were calculated. In addition, all patient performed the Mini Mental State Evaluation (MMSE) and 2 groups were realized with the clinical threshold of 24. RESULTS 16 patients with MMSE 〈 24 and 30 patients with MMSE 〉 24. Significant increase of Glx/Cr in PCC of patients with MMSE 〈 24 compared to patients with MMSE 〉 24. Moreover, GABA/Cr ratio exhibited a trend for a decrease in PCC between the two groups, while they showed a significant decrease NAA/Cr ratio. CONCLUSION Our results concerning Glx are in agreement with a physiopathological hypothesis involving a biphasic variation of glutamate levels associated with excitotoxicity, correlated with the clinical evolution of the disease. These observations suggest that MRS assessment of glutamate levels could be helpful for both diagnosis and classification of cognitive impairment in stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Velu
- University Hospital center of Poitiers, Department of Imaging, France
| | - Luc Pellerin
- University of Poitiers and University Hospital center of Poitiers, France
| | - Adrien Julian
- University Hospital Center of Poitiers, Department of neurology, France
| | - Marc Paccalin
- University Hospital Center of Poitiers, Department of neurology, France
| | - Clément Giraud
- University Hospital center of Poitiers, Department of Imaging, France
| | - Pierre Fayolle
- University Hospital center of Poitiers, Department of Imaging, France
| | - Rémy Guillevin
- University Hospital center of Poitiers, Department of Imaging, France
| | - Carole Guillevin
- University Hospital center of Poitiers, Department of Imaging, France.
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5
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Song Y, Hupfeld KE, Davies-Jenkins CW, Zöllner HJ, Murali-Manohar S, Mumuni AN, Crocetti D, Yedavalli V, Oeltzschner G, Alessi N, Batschelett MA, Puts NA, Mostofsky SH, Edden RA. Brain glutathione and GABA+ levels in autistic children. Autism Res 2024; 17:512-528. [PMID: 38279628 PMCID: PMC10963146 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication challenges and repetitive behaviors. Altered neurometabolite levels, including glutathione (GSH) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), have been proposed as potential contributors to the biology underlying ASD. This study investigated whether cerebral GSH or GABA levels differ between a cohort of children aged 8-12 years with ASD (n = 52) and typically developing children (TDC, n = 49). A comprehensive analysis of GSH and GABA levels in multiple brain regions, including the primary motor cortex (SM1), thalamus (Thal), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and supplementary motor area (SMA), was conducted using single-voxel HERMES MR spectroscopy at 3T. The results revealed no significant differences in cerebral GSH or GABA levels between the ASD and TDC groups across all examined regions. These findings suggest that the concentrations of GSH (an important antioxidant and neuromodulator) and GABA (a major inhibitory neurotransmitter) do not exhibit marked alterations in children with ASD compared to TDC. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between GABA levels in the SM1 and Thal regions with ADHD inattention scores. No significant correlation was found between metabolite levels and hyper/impulsive scores of ADHD, measures of core ASD symptoms (ADOS-2, SRS-P) or adaptive behavior (ABAS-2). While both GSH and GABA have been implicated in various neurological disorders, the current study provides valuable insights into the specific context of ASD and highlights the need for further research to explore other neurochemical alterations that may contribute to the pathophysiology of this complex disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulu Song
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kathleen E. Hupfeld
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Christopher W. Davies-Jenkins
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Helge J. Zöllner
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Saipavitra Murali-Manohar
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Deana Crocetti
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Vivek Yedavalli
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Georg Oeltzschner
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Natalie Alessi
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mitchell A. Batschelett
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nicolaas A.J. Puts
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stewart H. Mostofsky
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Richard A.E. Edden
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
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6
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Dwyer P, Vukusic S, Williams ZJ, Saron CD, Rivera SM. "Neural Noise" in Auditory Responses in Young Autistic and Neurotypical Children. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:642-661. [PMID: 36434480 PMCID: PMC10209352 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05797-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Elevated "neural noise" has been advanced as an explanation of autism and autistic sensory experiences. However, functional neuroimaging measures of neural noise may be vulnerable to contamination by recording noise. This study explored variability of electrophysiological responses to tones of different intensities in 127 autistic and 79 typically-developing children aged 2-5 years old. A rigorous data processing pipeline, including advanced visualizations of different signal sources that were maximally independent across different time lags, was used to identify and eliminate putative recording noise. Inter-trial variability was measured using median absolute deviations (MADs) of EEG amplitudes across trials and inter-trial phase coherence (ITPC). ITPC was elevated in autism in the 50 and 60 dB intensity conditions, suggesting diminished (rather than elevated) neural noise in autism, although reduced ITPC to soft 50 dB sounds was associated with increased loudness discomfort. Autistic and non-autistic participants did not differ in MADs, and indeed, the vast majority of the statistical tests examined in this study yielded no significant effects. These results appear inconsistent with the neural noise account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Dwyer
- Department of Psychology, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | | | - Zachary J Williams
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Clifford D Saron
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Susan M Rivera
- Department of Psychology, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
- College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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7
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Soghomonian JJ. The cortico-striatal circuitry in autism-spectrum disorders: a balancing act. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 17:1329095. [PMID: 38273975 PMCID: PMC10808402 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1329095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The basal ganglia are major targets of cortical inputs and, in turn, modulate cortical function via their projections to the motor and prefrontal cortices. The role of the basal ganglia in motor control and reward is well documented and there is also extensive evidence that they play a key role in social and repetitive behaviors. The basal ganglia influence the activity of the cerebral cortex via two major projections from the striatum to the output nuclei, the globus pallidus internus and the substantia nigra, pars reticulata. This modulation involves a direct projection known as the direct pathway and an indirect projection via the globus pallidus externus and the subthalamic nucleus, known as the indirect pathway. This review discusses the respective contribution of the direct and indirect pathways to social and repetitive behaviors in neurotypical conditions and in autism spectrum disorders.
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8
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Zarate-Lopez D, Torres-Chávez AL, Gálvez-Contreras AY, Gonzalez-Perez O. Three Decades of Valproate: A Current Model for Studying Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:260-289. [PMID: 37873949 PMCID: PMC10788883 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231003121513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with increased prevalence and incidence in recent decades. Its etiology remains largely unclear, but it seems to involve a strong genetic component and environmental factors that, in turn, induce epigenetic changes during embryonic and postnatal brain development. In recent decades, clinical studies have shown that inutero exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug, is an environmental factor associated with an increased risk of ASD. Subsequently, prenatal VPA exposure in rodents has been established as a reliable translational model to study the pathophysiology of ASD, which has helped demonstrate neurobiological changes in rodents, non-human primates, and brain organoids from human pluripotent stem cells. This evidence supports the notion that prenatal VPA exposure is a valid and current model to replicate an idiopathic ASD-like disorder in experimental animals. This review summarizes and describes the current features reported with this animal model of autism and the main neurobiological findings and correlates that help elucidate the pathophysiology of ASD. Finally, we discuss the general framework of the VPA model in comparison to other environmental and genetic ASD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zarate-Lopez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Ana Laura Torres-Chávez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Alma Yadira Gálvez-Contreras
- Department of Neuroscience, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, México
| | - Oscar Gonzalez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
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Parrella NF, Hill AT, Dipnall LM, Loke YJ, Enticott PG, Ford TC. Inhibitory dysfunction and social processing difficulties in autism: A comprehensive narrative review. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 169:113-125. [PMID: 38016393 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has a prominent role in regulating neural development and function, with disruption to GABAergic signalling linked to behavioural phenotypes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism. Such neurochemical disruption, likely resulting from diverse genetic and molecular mechanisms, particularly during early development, can subsequently affect the cellular balance of excitation and inhibition in neuronal circuits, which may account for the social processing difficulties observed in autism and related conditions. This comprehensive narrative review integrates diverse streams of research from several disciplines, including molecular neurobiology, genetics, epigenetics, and systems neuroscience. In so doing it aims to elucidate the relevance of inhibitory dysfunction to autism, with specific focus on social processing difficulties that represent a core feature of this disorder. Many of the social processing difficulties experienced in autism have been linked to higher levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and/or lower levels of inhibitory GABA. While current therapeutic options for social difficulties in autism are largely limited to behavioural interventions, this review highlights the psychopharmacological studies that explore the utility of GABA modulation in alleviating such difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aron T Hill
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lillian M Dipnall
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Early Life Epigenetics Group, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Yuk Jing Loke
- Epigenetics Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter G Enticott
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Talitha C Ford
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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10
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Johnson AJ, Shankland E, Richards T, Corrigan N, Shusterman D, Edden R, Estes A, St John T, Dager S, Kleinhans NM. Relationships between GABA, glutamate, and GABA/glutamate and social and olfactory processing in children with autism spectrum disorder. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2023; 336:111745. [PMID: 37956467 PMCID: PMC10841920 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2023.111745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Theories of altered inhibitory/excitatory signaling in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suggest that gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) abnormalities may underlie social and sensory challenges in ASD. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to measure Glu and GABA+ levels in the amygdala-hippocampus region and cerebellum in autistic children (n = 30), a clinical control group with sensory abnormalities (SA) but not ASD (n = 30), and children with typical development (n = 37). All participants were clinically assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale-2, and the Child Sensory Profile-2. The Social Responsiveness Scale-2, Sniffin Sticks Threshold Test, and the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test were administered to assess social impairment and olfactory processing. Overall, autistic children showed increased cerebellar Glu levels compared to TYP children. Evidence for altered excitatory/inhibitory signaling in the cerebellum was more clear-cut when analyses were restricted to male participants. Further, lower cerebellar GABA+/Glu ratios were correlated to more severe social impairment in both autistic and SA males, suggesting that the cerebellum may play a transdiagnostic role in social impairment. Future studies of inhibitory/excitatory neural markers, powered to investigate the role of sex, may aid in parsing out disorder-specific neurochemical profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allegra J Johnson
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, USA; Integrated Brain Imaging Center (IBIC), University of Washington, Box 357115, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - Todd Richards
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, USA; Integrated Brain Imaging Center (IBIC), University of Washington, Box 357115, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Neva Corrigan
- Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD), University of Washington, USA
| | - Dennis Shusterman
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Richard Edden
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA; F.M. Kirby Center for Functional MRI, Kennedy Krieger Institute, USA
| | - Annette Estes
- Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD), University of Washington, USA; Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, USA; University of Washington Autism Center, USA
| | - Tanya St John
- University of Washington Autism Center, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Stephen Dager
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, USA; Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD), University of Washington, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Washington, USA
| | - Natalia M Kleinhans
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, USA; Integrated Brain Imaging Center (IBIC), University of Washington, Box 357115, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD), University of Washington, USA.
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11
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Song Y, Hupfeld KE, Davies-Jenkins CW, Zöllner HJ, Murali-Manohar S, Mumuni AN, Crocetti D, Yedavalli V, Oeltzschner G, Alessi N, Batschelett MA, Puts NAJ, Mostofsky SH, Edden RAE. Brain Glutathione and GABA+ levels in autistic children. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.28.559718. [PMID: 37808813 PMCID: PMC10557661 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.28.559718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication challenges and repetitive behaviors. Altered neurometabolite levels, including glutathione (GSH) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), have been proposed as potential contributors to the biology underlying ASD. This study investigated whether cerebral GSH or GABA levels differ between a large cohort of children aged 8-12 years with ASD (n=52) and typically developing children (TDC, n=49). A comprehensive analysis of GSH and GABA levels in multiple brain regions, including the primary motor cortex (SM1), thalamus (Thal), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and supplementary motor area (SMA), was conducted using single-voxel HERMES MR spectroscopy at 3T. The results revealed no significant differences in cerebral GSH or GABA levels between the ASD and TDC groups across all examined regions. These findings suggest that the concentrations of GSH (an important antioxidant and neuromodulator) and GABA (a major inhibitory neurotransmitter) do not exhibit marked alterations in children with ASD compared to TDC. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between GABA levels in the SM1 and Thal regions with ADHD inattention scores. No significant correlation was found between metabolite levels and hyper/impulsive scores of ADHD, measures of core ASD symptoms (ADOS-2, SRS-P) or adaptive behavior (ABAS-2). While both GSH and GABA have been implicated in various neurological disorders, the current study provides valuable insights into the specific context of ASD and highlights the need for further research to explore other neurochemical alterations that may contribute to the pathophysiology of this complex disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulu Song
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kathleen E Hupfeld
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Christopher W Davies-Jenkins
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Helge J Zöllner
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Saipavitra Murali-Manohar
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Deana Crocetti
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Vivek Yedavalli
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Georg Oeltzschner
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Natalie Alessi
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mitchell A Batschelett
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nicolaas A J Puts
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stewart H Mostofsky
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Richard A E Edden
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
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12
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Demler VF, Sterner EF, Wilson M, Zimmer C, Knolle F. Association between increased anterior cingulate glutamate and psychotic-like experiences, but not autistic traits in healthy volunteers. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12792. [PMID: 37550354 PMCID: PMC10406950 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39881-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite many differences, autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorder share environmental risk factors, genetic predispositions as well as neuronal abnormalities, and show similar cognitive deficits in working memory, perspective taking, or response inhibition. These shared abnormalities are already present in subclinical traits of these disorders. The literature proposes that changes in the inhibitory GABAergic and the excitatory glutamatergic system could explain underlying neuronal commonalities and differences. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), we investigated the associations between glutamate concentrations in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), the left/right putamen, and left/right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and psychotic-like experiences (Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire) and autistic traits (Autism Spectrum Quotient) in 53 healthy individuals (26 women). To investigate the contributions of glutamate concentrations in different cortical regions to symptom expression and their interactions, we used linear regression analyses. We found that only glutamate concentration in the ACC predicted psychotic-like experiences, but not autistic traits. Supporting this finding, a binomial logistic regression predicting median-split high and low risk groups for psychotic-like experiences revealed ACC glutamate levels as a significant predictor for group membership. Taken together, this study provides evidence that glutamate levels in the ACC are specifically linked to the expression of psychotic-like experiences, and may be a potential candidate in identifying early risk individuals prone to developing psychotic-like experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena F Demler
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Elisabeth F Sterner
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Wilson
- Centre for Human Brain Health and School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Claus Zimmer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Franziska Knolle
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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13
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Du Y, Chen L, Yan MC, Wang YL, Zhong XL, Xv CX, Li YB, Cheng Y. Neurometabolite levels in the brains of patients with autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analysis of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies (N = 1501). Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3092-3103. [PMID: 37117459 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02079-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that neurometabolite alterations may be involved in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We performed a meta-analysis of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) studies to examine the neurometabolite levels in the brains of patients with ASD. A systematic search of PubMed and Web of Science identified 54 studies for the meta-analysis. A random-effects meta-analysis demonstrated that compared with the healthy controls, patients with ASD had lower N-acetyl-aspartate-containing compound (NAA) and choline-containing compound (Cho) levels and NAA/(creatine-containing compound) Cr ratios in the gray matter and lower NAA and glutamate + glutamine (Glx) levels in the white matter. Furthermore, NAA and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, NAA/Cr ratios, and GABA/Cr ratios were significantly decreased in the frontal cortex of patients with ASD, whereas glutamate (Glu) levels were increased in the prefrontal cortex. Additionally, low NAA levels and GABA/Cr ratios in the temporal cortex, low NAA levels and NAA/Cr ratios in the parietal and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices, and low NAA levels in the cerebellum and occipital cortex were observed in patients with ASD. Meta-regression analysis revealed that age was positively associated with effect size in studies analyzing the levels of gray matter NAA and white matter Glx. Taken together, these results provide strong clinical evidence that neurometabolite alterations in specific brain regions are associated with ASD and age is a confounding factor for certain neurometabolite levels in patients with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Du
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Mei-Chen Yan
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Li Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Chen-Xi Xv
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yao-Bo Li
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China.
- Institute of National Security, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Research, Prevention, and Treatment (Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health-Care Hospital), Changsha, Hunan, China.
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14
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Yamada T, Watanabe T, Sasaki Y. Are sleep disturbances a cause or consequence of autism spectrum disorder? Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 77:377-385. [PMID: 36949621 PMCID: PMC10871071 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by core symptoms such as atypical social communication, stereotyped behaviors, and restricted interests. One of the comorbid symptoms of individuals with ASD is sleep disturbance. There are two major hypotheses regarding the neural mechanism underlying ASD, i.e., the excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance and the altered neuroplasticity hypotheses. However, the pathology of ASD remains unclear due to inconsistent research results. This paper argues that sleep is a confounding factor, thus, must be considered when examining the pathology of ASD because sleep plays an important role in modulating the E/I balance and neuroplasticity in the human brain. Investigation of the E/I balance and neuroplasticity during sleep might enhance our understanding of the neural mechanisms of ASD. It may also lead to the development of neurobiologically informed interventions to supplement existing psychosocial therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yamada
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, 02912, USA
| | - Takeo Watanabe
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, 02912, USA
| | - Yuka Sasaki
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, 02912, USA
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15
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De Sales-Millán A, Aguirre-Garrido JF, González-Cervantes RM, Velázquez-Aragón JA. Microbiome-Gut-Mucosal-Immune-Brain Axis and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Novel Proposal of the Role of the Gut Microbiome in ASD Aetiology. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:548. [PMID: 37503995 PMCID: PMC10376175 DOI: 10.3390/bs13070548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by deficits in social interaction and communication, as well as restricted and stereotyped interests. Due of the high prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders in individuals with ASD, researchers have investigated the gut microbiota as a potential contributor to its aetiology. The relationship between the microbiome, gut, and brain (microbiome-gut-brain axis) has been acknowledged as a key factor in modulating brain function and social behaviour, but its connection to the aetiology of ASD is not well understood. Recently, there has been increasing attention on the relationship between the immune system, gastrointestinal disorders and neurological issues in ASD, particularly in relation to the loss of specific species or a decrease in microbial diversity. It focuses on how gut microbiota dysbiosis can affect gut permeability, immune function and microbiota metabolites in ASD. However, a very complete study suggests that dysbiosis is a consequence of the disease and that it has practically no effect on autistic manifestations. This is a review of the relationship between the immune system, microbial diversity and the microbiome-gut-brain axis in the development of autistic symptoms severity and a proposal of a novel role of gut microbiome in ASD, where dysbiosis is a consequence of ASD-related behaviour and where dysbiosis in turn accentuates the autistic manifestations of the patients via the microbiome-gut-brain axis in a feedback circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amapola De Sales-Millán
- División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Lerma, Lerma 52006, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - José Félix Aguirre-Garrido
- Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Lerma, Lerma 52006, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Rina María González-Cervantes
- Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Lerma, Lerma 52006, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
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16
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Mohapatra AN, Wagner S. The role of the prefrontal cortex in social interactions of animal models and the implications for autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1205199. [PMID: 37409155 PMCID: PMC10318347 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1205199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Social interaction is a complex behavior which requires the individual to integrate various internal processes, such as social motivation, social recognition, salience, reward, and emotional state, as well as external cues informing the individual of others' behavior, emotional state and social rank. This complex phenotype is susceptible to disruption in humans affected by neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Multiple pieces of convergent evidence collected from studies of humans and rodents suggest that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays a pivotal role in social interactions, serving as a hub for motivation, affiliation, empathy, and social hierarchy. Indeed, disruption of the PFC circuitry results in social behavior deficits symptomatic of ASD. Here, we review this evidence and describe various ethologically relevant social behavior tasks which could be employed with rodent models to study the role of the PFC in social interactions. We also discuss the evidence linking the PFC to pathologies associated with ASD. Finally, we address specific questions regarding mechanisms employed by the PFC circuitry that may result in atypical social interactions in rodent models, which future studies should address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok Nath Mohapatra
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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17
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Murray SO, Kolodny T, Webb SJ. Cortical Surface Area Relates to Distinct Computational Properties in Human Visual Perception. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.16.545373. [PMID: 37398212 PMCID: PMC10312808 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.16.545373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the relationship between cortical structure and function is essential for elucidating the neural basis of human behavior. However, the impact of cortical structural features on the computational properties of neural circuits remains poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that a simple structural feature - cortical surface area (SA) - relates to specific computational properties underlying human visual perception. By combining psychophysical, neuroimaging, and computational modeling approaches, we show that differences in SA in the parietal and frontal cortices are associated with distinct patterns of behavior in a motion perception task. These behavioral differences can be accounted for by specific parameters of a divisive normalization model, suggesting that SA in these regions contributes uniquely to the spatial organization of cortical circuitry. Our findings provide novel evidence linking cortical structure to distinct computational properties and offer a framework for understanding how cortical architecture can impact human behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott O. Murray
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle WA USA 98195
| | - Tamar Kolodny
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle WA USA 98195
| | - Sara Jane Webb
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Washington, Seattle WA USA 98195
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, 1920 Terry Ave, Building Cure-03, Seattle WA 98101
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18
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Pang EW, Hammill C, Taylor MJ, Near J, Schachar R, Crosbie J, Arnold PD, Anagnostou E, Lerch JP. Cerebellar gamma-aminobutyric acid: Investigation of group effects in neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism Res 2023; 16:535-542. [PMID: 36626308 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are thought to arise in part from the disruption in the excitatory/inhibitory balance of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate in the brain. Recent evidence has shown the involvement of the cerebellum in cognition and affect regulation, and cerebellar atypical function or damage is reported frequently in NDDs. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies have reported decreases in GABA in cortical brain areas in the NDDs, however, GABA levels in the cerebellum have not been examined. To determine possible group effects, we used a MEGA-PRESS acquisition to investigate GABA+ levels in a cerebellar voxel in 343 individuals (aged 2.5-22 years) with ASD, ADHD, OCD and controls. Using a mixed effects model, we found no significant differences between groups in GABA+ concentration. Our findings suggest that cerebellar GABA+ levels do not differentiate NDD groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth W Pang
- Division of Neurology/Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Chris Hammill
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Margot J Taylor
- Diagnostic Imaging/Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto and Departments of Medical Imaging and Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jamie Near
- Physical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Russell Schachar
- Department of Psychiatry/Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jennifer Crosbie
- Department of Psychiatry/Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Paul D Arnold
- The Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Autism Research Centre, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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19
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Hanamoto H, Hirose Y, Toyama M, Yokoe C, Oyamaguchi A, Niwa H. Effect of midazolam in autism spectrum disorder: A retrospective observational analysis. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2023; 67:606-612. [PMID: 36754992 DOI: 10.1111/aas.14211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While midazolam is commonly used as premedication for uncooperative patients, its effects are difficult to predict in patients with autism spectrum disorder for whom abnormalities in gamma-aminobutyric acid have been reported. This study aimed to investigate the influence of autism spectrum disorder on the effect of midazolam when used as premedication. METHODS This retrospective observational study was performed between April 2017 and August 2018. Before inducing general anesthesia with sevoflurane for dental treatment, 390 uncooperative patients received premedication with midazolam. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed with the Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation score 30 min after premedication as the objective variable. Age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class, premedication route, dose per body weight, presence of specific disorders (autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and other psychiatric disorders), and regular benzodiazepine or non-benzodiazepine psychotropic administration were included as explanatory variables. Kendall's rank correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between the Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation score and cooperation level (1, obvious negative response; 2, negative response; 3, positive reaction; 4, obvious positive reaction) during admission and inhalation induction. All data were extracted from anesthesia and medical records. RESULTS Age (odds ratio 1.437 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.213-1.708], P < .001), autism spectrum disorder (1.318 [1.079-1.612], P = .007), benzodiazepine medication (0.574 [0.396-0.827], P = .002), and intramuscular route (1.478 [1.137-1.924], P = .004) were significantly associated with the Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation score, while the score was negatively associated with cooperation levels during admission (τ = -0.714, P < .001) and inhalation induction (τ = -0.606, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Patients with autism spectrum disorder may be susceptible to premedication with midazolam; however, regular benzodiazepine administration may reduce the effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Hanamoto
- Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Japan
| | | | - Midori Toyama
- Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Japan
| | - Chizuko Yokoe
- Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Japan
| | - Aiko Oyamaguchi
- Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Niwa
- Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Japan
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20
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Zhang X, Liu S, Liu X, Wang J. Inhibiting silence information regulator 2 and glutaminase in the amygdala can improve social behavior in autistic rats. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2022; 51:707-715. [PMID: 36915976 PMCID: PMC10262010 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2022-0183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which silence information regulator (SIRT) 2 and glutaminase (GLS) in the amygdala regulate social behaviors in autistic rats. METHODS Rat models of autism were established by maternal sodium valproic acid (VPA) exposure in wild-type rats and SIRT2-knockout ( SIRT2 -/-) rats. Glutamate (Glu) content, brain weight, and expression levels of SIRT2, GLS proteins and apoptosis-associated proteins in rat amygdala at different developmental stages were examined, and the social behaviors of VPA rats were assessed by a three-chamber test. Then, lentiviral overexpression or interference vectors of GLS were injected into the amygdala of VPA rats. Brain weight, Glu content and expression level of GLS protein were measured, and the social behaviors assessed. RESULTS Brain weight, amygdala Glu content and the levels of SIRT2, GLS protein and pro-apoptotic protein caspase-3 in the amygdala were increased in VPA rats, while the level of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was decreased (all P<0.01). Compared with the wild-type rats, SIRT2 -/- rats displayed decreased expression of SIRT2 and GLS proteins in the amygdala, reduced Glu content, and improved social dysfunction (all P<0.01). Overexpression of GLS increased brain weight and Glu content, and aggravated social dysfunction in VPA rats (all P<0.01). Knockdown of GLS decreased brain weight and Glu content, and improved social dysfunction in VPA rats (all P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The glutamate circulatory system in the amygdala of VPA induced autistic rats is abnormal. This is associated with the upregulation of SIRT2 expression and its induced increase of GLS production; knocking out SIRT2 gene or inhibiting the expression of GLS is helpful in maintaining the balanced glutamate cycle and in improving the social behavior disorder of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Zhang
- 1. Children's Hospital, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
| | - Shizhang Liu
- 2. Department of Orthopedics, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
| | - Xiaomei Liu
- 3. Nursing Department, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
| | - Jieying Wang
- 1. Children's Hospital, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
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21
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Neurotransmitters-Key Factors in Neurological and Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Central Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115954. [PMID: 35682631 PMCID: PMC9180936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitters are molecules that amplify, transmit, and convert signals in cells, having an essential role in information transmission throughout the nervous system. Hundreds of such chemicals have been discovered in the last century, continuing to be identified and studied concerning their action on brain health. These substances have been observed to influence numerous functions, including emotions, thoughts, memories, learning, and movements. Thus, disturbances in neurotransmitters’ homeostasis started being correlated with a plethora of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. In this respect, the present paper aims to describe the most important neurotransmitters, broadly classified into canonical (e.g., amino acids, monoamines, acetylcholine, purines, soluble gases, neuropeptides) and noncanonical neurotransmitters (e.g., exosomes, steroids, D-aspartic acid), and explain their link with some of the most relevant neurological conditions. Moreover, a brief overview of the recently developed neurotransmitters’ detection methods is offered, followed by several considerations on the modulation of these substances towards restoring homeostasis.
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22
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Maier S, Düppers AL, Runge K, Dacko M, Lange T, Fangmeier T, Riedel A, Ebert D, Endres D, Domschke K, Perlov E, Nickel K, Tebartz van Elst L. Increased prefrontal GABA concentrations in adults with autism spectrum disorders. Autism Res 2022; 15:1222-1236. [PMID: 35587691 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The excitatory-inhibitory imbalance hypothesis postulates dysregulation of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) neurotransmitter systems as a common underlying deficit in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Previous studies suggest an important role of these systems in the pathophysiology of ASD, including a study of our group reporting decreased glutamate concentrations in the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of adults with ASD. The aim of this study was to replicate our previous findings of impaired glutamate metabolism in ASD in a new sample and to additionally quantify GABA in the ACC and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). Concentrations of GABA and glutamate-glutamine (Glx; combined glutamate and glutamine signal) were quantified in the ACC and dlPFC of 43 adults with ASD and 43 neurotypical controls (NTC) by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The ASD group showed increased absolute GABA concentrations and elevated GABA/creatine ratios in the left dlPFC compared to NTC, while no group differences were detected in the pregenual and dorsal ACC. Previous findings of altered Glx concentration in the pregenual ACC of the ASD group could not be replicated. Regarding Glx concentrations and Glx/creatine ratios, there were no significant differences in the dlPFC and ACC either. The study supports the hypothesis of an altered GABA and glutamate equilibrium, indicating an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory metabolism in ASD patients. However, inconsistent results across studies and brain regions suggest a complex underlying phenomenon. LAY SUMMARY: Adults of the autism spectrum exhibit elevated levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This finding supports the hypothesis of an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory equilibrium in patients with autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Maier
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Kimon Runge
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Dacko
- Department of Radiology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Lange
- Department of Radiology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Fangmeier
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Riedel
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Luzerner Psychiatrie, Ambulante Dienste, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Dieter Ebert
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dominique Endres
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Basics in Neuromodulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Evgeniy Perlov
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Clinic for Psychiatry Luzern, Hospital St. Urban, St. Urban, Switzerland
| | - Kathrin Nickel
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ludger Tebartz van Elst
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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23
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Dwyer P, Takarae Y, Zadeh I, Rivera SM, Saron CD. A Multidimensional Investigation of Sensory Processing in Autism: Parent- and Self-Report Questionnaires, Psychophysical Thresholds, and Event-Related Potentials in the Auditory and Somatosensory Modalities. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:811547. [PMID: 35620155 PMCID: PMC9127065 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.811547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reconciling results obtained using different types of sensory measures is a challenge for autism sensory research. The present study used questionnaire, psychophysical, and neurophysiological measures to characterize autistic sensory processing in different measurement modalities. Methods Participants were 46 autistic and 21 typically developing 11- to 14-year-olds. Participants and their caregivers completed questionnaires regarding sensory experiences and behaviors. Auditory and somatosensory event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded as part of a multisensory ERP task. Auditory detection, tactile static detection, and tactile spatial resolution psychophysical thresholds were measured. Results Sensory questionnaires strongly differentiated between autistic and typically developing individuals, while little evidence of group differences was observed in psychophysical thresholds. Crucially, the different types of measures (neurophysiological, psychophysical, questionnaire) appeared to be largely independent of one another. However, we unexpectedly found autistic participants with larger auditory Tb ERP amplitudes had reduced hearing acuity, even though all participants had hearing acuity in the non-clinical range. Limitations The autistic and typically developing groups were not matched on cognitive ability, although this limitation does not affect our main analyses regarding convergence of measures within autism. Conclusion Overall, based on these results, measures in different sensory modalities appear to capture distinct aspects of sensory processing in autism, with relatively limited convergence between questionnaires and laboratory-based tasks. Generally, this might reflect the reality that laboratory tasks are often carried out in controlled environments without background stimuli to compete for attention, a context which may not closely resemble the busier and more complex environments in which autistic people's atypical sensory experiences commonly occur. Sensory questionnaires and more naturalistic laboratory tasks may be better suited to explore autistic people's real-world sensory challenges. Further research is needed to replicate and investigate the drivers of the unexpected association we observed between auditory Tb ERP amplitudes and hearing acuity, which could represent an important confound for ERP researchers to consider in their studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Dwyer
- Neurocognitive Development Lab, Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Yukari Takarae
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Iman Zadeh
- Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, Oracle Corporation, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Susan M. Rivera
- Neurocognitive Development Lab, Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Clifford D. Saron
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Saron Lab, Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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24
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What is the mechanism of loudness hyperacusis in autism? Med Hypotheses 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2021.110759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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25
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Bharadwaj H, Mamashli F, Khan S, Singh R, Joseph RM, Losh A, Pawlyszyn S, McGuiggan NM, Graham S, Hämäläinen MS, Kenet T. Cortical signatures of auditory object binding in children with autism spectrum disorder are anomalous in concordance with behavior and diagnosis. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001541. [PMID: 35167585 PMCID: PMC8884487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Organizing sensory information into coherent perceptual objects is fundamental to everyday perception and communication. In the visual domain, indirect evidence from cortical responses suggests that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have anomalous figure-ground segregation. While auditory processing abnormalities are common in ASD, especially in environments with multiple sound sources, to date, the question of scene segregation in ASD has not been directly investigated in audition. Using magnetoencephalography, we measured cortical responses to unattended (passively experienced) auditory stimuli while parametrically manipulating the degree of temporal coherence that facilitates auditory figure-ground segregation. Results from 21 children with ASD (aged 7-17 years) and 26 age- and IQ-matched typically developing children provide evidence that children with ASD show anomalous growth of cortical neural responses with increasing temporal coherence of the auditory figure. The documented neurophysiological abnormalities did not depend on age, and were reflected both in the response evoked by changes in temporal coherence of the auditory scene and in the associated induced gamma rhythms. Furthermore, the individual neural measures were predictive of diagnosis (83% accuracy) and also correlated with behavioral measures of ASD severity and auditory processing abnormalities. These findings offer new insight into the neural mechanisms underlying auditory perceptual deficits and sensory overload in ASD, and suggest that temporal-coherence-based auditory scene analysis and suprathreshold processing of coherent auditory objects may be atypical in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Bharadwaj
- Department of Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Fahimeh Mamashli
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sheraz Khan
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ravinderjit Singh
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Robert M. Joseph
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ainsley Losh
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Pawlyszyn
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nicole M. McGuiggan
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Steven Graham
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Matti S. Hämäläinen
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tal Kenet
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States of America
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26
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Huang Q, Pereira AC, Velthuis H, Wong NML, Ellis CL, Ponteduro FM, Dimitrov M, Kowalewski L, Lythgoe DJ, Rotaru D, Edden RAE, Leonard A, Ivin G, Ahmad J, Pretzsch CM, Daly E, Murphy DGM, McAlonan GM. GABA B receptor modulation of visual sensory processing in adults with and without autism spectrum disorder. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabg7859. [PMID: 34985973 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abg7859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyun Huang
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Andreia C Pereira
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK.,Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3000-548, Portugal.,Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3000-548, Portugal
| | - Hester Velthuis
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Nichol M L Wong
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Claire L Ellis
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Francesca M Ponteduro
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Mihail Dimitrov
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Lukasz Kowalewski
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - David J Lythgoe
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Diana Rotaru
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Richard A E Edden
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.,F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Alison Leonard
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Glynis Ivin
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Pharmacy, London SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Jumana Ahmad
- School of Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, London SE10 9LS, UK
| | - Charlotte M Pretzsch
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Eileen Daly
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Declan G M Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK.,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Gráinne M McAlonan
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK.,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
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27
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Bernardino I, Dionísio A, Violante IR, Monteiro R, Castelo-Branco M. Motor Cortex Excitation/Inhibition Imbalance in Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A MRS-TMS Approach. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:860448. [PMID: 35492696 PMCID: PMC9046777 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.860448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitatory/inhibitory imbalance has been suggested as a neurobiological substrate of the cognitive symptomatology in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Studies using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) attempted to characterize GABA and Glutamate brain levels in ASD. However mixed findings have been reported. Here, we characterize both neurochemical and physiological aspects of GABA system in ASD by implementing a more comprehensive approach combining MRS and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). A group of 16 young ASD adults and a group of 17 controls participated in this study. We employed one MRS session to assess motor cortex GABA+ and Glutamate+Glutamine (Glx) levels using MEGAPRESS and PRESS sequences, respectively. Additionally, a TMS experiment was implemented including paired-pulse (SICI, ICF and LICI), input-output curve and cortical silent period to probe cortical excitability. Our results showed a significantly increased Glx, with unchanged GABA+ levels in the ASD group compared with controls. Single TMS measures did not differ between groups, although exploratory within-group analysis showed impaired inhibition in SICI5ms, in ASD. Importantly, we observed a correlation between GABA levels and measures of the input-output TMS recruitment curve (slope and MEP amplitude) in the control group but not in ASD, as further demonstrated by direct between group comparisons. In this exploratory study, we found evidence of increased Glx levels which may contribute to ASD excitatory/inhibitory imbalance while highlighting the relevance of conducting further larger-scale studies to investigate the GABA system from complementary perspectives, using both MRS and TMS techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Bernardino
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Dionísio
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês R Violante
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Raquel Monteiro
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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28
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Sapey-Triomphe LA, Temmerman J, Puts NAJ, Wagemans J. Prediction learning in adults with autism and its molecular correlates. Mol Autism 2021; 12:64. [PMID: 34615532 PMCID: PMC8493731 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00470-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background According to Bayesian hypotheses, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have difficulties making accurate predictions about their environment. In particular, the mechanisms by which they assign precision to predictions or sensory inputs would be suboptimal in ASD. These mechanisms are thought to be mostly mediated by glutamate and GABA. Here, we aimed to shed light on prediction learning in ASD and on its neurobiological correlates. Methods Twenty-six neurotypical and 26 autistic adults participated in an associative learning task where they had to learn a probabilistic association between a tone and the rotation direction of two dots, in a volatile context. They also took part in magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) measurements to quantify Glx (glutamate and glutamine), GABA + and glutathione in a low-level perceptual region (occipital cortex) and in a higher-level region involved in prediction learning (inferior frontal gyrus). Results Neurotypical and autistic adults had their percepts biased by their expectations, and this bias was smaller for individuals with a more atypical sensory sensitivity. Both groups were able to learn the association and to update their beliefs after a change in contingency. Interestingly, the percentage of correct predictions was correlated with the Glx/GABA + ratio in the occipital cortex (positive correlation) and in the right inferior frontal gyrus (negative correlation). In this region, MRS results also showed an increased concentration of Glx in the ASD group compared to the neurotypical group. Limitations We used a quite restrictive approach to select the MR spectra showing a good fit, which led to the exclusion of some MRS datasets and therefore to the reduction of the sample size for certain metabolites/regions. Conclusions Autistic adults appeared to have intact abilities to make predictions in this task, in contrast with the Bayesian hypotheses of ASD. Yet, higher ratios of Glx/GABA + in a frontal region were associated with decreased predictive abilities, and ASD individuals tended to have more Glx in this region. This neurobiological difference might contribute to suboptimal predictive mechanisms in ASD in certain contexts. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13229-021-00470-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie-Anne Sapey-Triomphe
- Department of Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. .,Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Joke Temmerman
- Department of Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicolaas A J Puts
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK.,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Johan Wagemans
- Department of Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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29
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Bottino F, Lucignani M, Napolitano A, Dellepiane F, Visconti E, Rossi Espagnet MC, Pasquini L. In Vivo Brain GSH: MRS Methods and Clinical Applications. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10091407. [PMID: 34573039 PMCID: PMC8468877 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH) is an important antioxidant implicated in several physiological functions, including the oxidation−reduction reaction balance and brain antioxidant defense against endogenous and exogenous toxic agents. Altered brain GSH levels may reflect inflammatory processes associated with several neurologic disorders. An accurate and reliable estimation of cerebral GSH concentrations could give a clear and thorough understanding of its metabolism within the brain, thus providing a valuable benchmark for clinical applications. In this context, we aimed to provide an overview of the different magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) technologies introduced for in vivo human brain GSH quantification both in healthy control (HC) volunteers and in subjects affected by different neurological disorders (e.g., brain tumors, and psychiatric and degenerative disorders). Additionally, we aimed to provide an exhaustive list of normal GSH concentrations within different brain areas. The definition of standard reference values for different brain areas could lead to a better interpretation of the altered GSH levels recorded in subjects with neurological disorders, with insights into the possible role of GSH as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bottino
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.L.)
| | - Martina Lucignani
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.L.)
| | - Antonio Napolitano
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-333-3214614
| | - Francesco Dellepiane
- Neuroradiology Unit, NESMOS Department, Sant’Andrea Hospital, La Sapienza University, 00189 Rome, Italy; (F.D.); (M.C.R.E.); (L.P.)
| | - Emiliano Visconti
- Neuroradiology Unit, Surgery and Trauma Department, Maurizio Bufalini Hospital, 47521 Cesena, Italy;
| | - Maria Camilla Rossi Espagnet
- Neuroradiology Unit, NESMOS Department, Sant’Andrea Hospital, La Sapienza University, 00189 Rome, Italy; (F.D.); (M.C.R.E.); (L.P.)
- Neuroradiology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Pasquini
- Neuroradiology Unit, NESMOS Department, Sant’Andrea Hospital, La Sapienza University, 00189 Rome, Italy; (F.D.); (M.C.R.E.); (L.P.)
- Neuroradiology Service, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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30
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Modafferi S, Zhong X, Kleensang A, Murata Y, Fagiani F, Pamies D, Hogberg HT, Calabrese V, Lachman H, Hartung T, Smirnova L. Gene-Environment Interactions in Developmental Neurotoxicity: a Case Study of Synergy between Chlorpyrifos and CHD8 Knockout in Human BrainSpheres. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:77001. [PMID: 34259569 PMCID: PMC8278985 DOI: 10.1289/ehp8580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a major public health concern caused by complex genetic and environmental components. Mechanisms of gene-environment (G × E ) interactions and reliable biomarkers associated with ASD are mostly unknown or controversial. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patients or with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9)-introduced mutations in candidate ASD genes provide an opportunity to study (G × E ) interactions. OBJECTIVES In this study, we aimed to identify a potential synergy between mutation in the high-risk autism gene encoding chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 8 (CHD8) and environmental exposure to an organophosphate pesticide (chlorpyrifos; CPF) in an iPSC-derived human three-dimensional (3D) brain model. METHODS This study employed human iPSC-derived 3D brain organoids (BrainSpheres) carrying a heterozygote CRISPR/Cas9-introduced inactivating mutation in CHD8 and exposed to CPF or its oxon-metabolite (CPO). Neural differentiation, viability, oxidative stress, and neurite outgrowth were assessed, and levels of main neurotransmitters and selected metabolites were validated against human data on ASD metabolic derangements. RESULTS Expression of CHD8 protein was significantly lower in CHD8 heterozygous knockout (C H D 8 + / - ) BrainSpheres compared with C H D 8 + / + ones. Exposure to CPF/CPO treatment further reduced CHD8 protein levels, showing the potential (G × E ) interaction synergy. A novel approach for validation of the model was chosen: from the literature, we identified a panel of metabolic biomarkers in patients and assessed them by targeted metabolomics in vitro. A synergistic effect was observed on the cholinergic system, S-adenosylmethionine, S-adenosylhomocysteine, lactic acid, tryptophan, kynurenic acid, and α -hydroxyglutaric acid levels. Neurite outgrowth was perturbed by CPF/CPO exposure. Heterozygous knockout of CHD8 in BrainSpheres led to an imbalance of excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmitters and lower levels of dopamine. DISCUSSION This study pioneered (G × E ) interaction in iPSC-derived organoids. The experimental strategy enables biomonitoring and environmental risk assessment for ASD. Our findings reflected some metabolic perturbations and disruption of neurotransmitter systems involved in ASD. The increased susceptibility of CHD 8 + / - BrainSpheres to chemical insult establishes a possibly broader role of (G × E ) interaction in ASD. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP8580.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Modafferi
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Xiali Zhong
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Andre Kleensang
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yohei Murata
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Research Center, Nihon Nohyaku Co. Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Francesca Fagiani
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Istituto Universitario di Studi Superiori (Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS) Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - David Pamies
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Helena T. Hogberg
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Vittorio Calabrese
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Herbert Lachman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Lena Smirnova
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Dwyer P, De Meo-Monteil R, Saron CD, Rivera SM. Effects of age on loudness-dependent auditory ERPs in young autistic and typically-developing children. Neuropsychologia 2021; 156:107837. [PMID: 33781752 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2021.107837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Limited research has investigated the development of auditory ERPs in young children, and particularly how stimulus intensity may affect these auditory ERPs. Previous research has also yielded inconsistent findings regarding differences in the development of auditory ERPs in autism and typical development. Furthermore, stimulus intensity may be of particular interest in autism insofar as autistic people may have atypical experiences of sound intensity (e.g., hyperacusis). Therefore, the present study examined associations between age and ERPs evoked by tones of differing intensities (50, 60, 70, and 80 dB SPL) in a large sample of young children (2-5 years) with and without an autism diagnosis. Correlations between age and P1 latencies were examined, while cluster-based permutation testing was used to examine associations between age and neural response amplitudes, as well as group differences in amplitude, over all electrode sites in the longer time window of 1-350 ms. Older autistic participants had faster P1 latencies, but these effects only attained significance over the right hemisphere in response to soft 50 dB sounds. Autistic participants had slower P1 responses to 80 dB sounds over the right hemisphere. Over the scalp regions associated with the later N2 response, more negative response amplitudes (that is, larger N2 responses) were observed in typically-developing than autistic participants. Furthermore, continuous associations between response amplitudes and age suggested that older typically-developing participants exhibited stronger N2 responses to all intensities, though this effect may have at least in part reflected the absence of small positive voltage deflections in the N2 latency window. Age was associated with amplitudes of responses to 50 dB through 70 dB sounds in autism, but in contrast to Typical Development (TD), little evidence of relationships between age and amplitudes in the N2 latency window was found in autism in the 80 dB condition. Although caution should be exercised in interpretation due to the cross-sectional nature of this study, these findings suggest that developmental changes in auditory responses may differ across diagnostic groups in a manner that depends on perceived loudness and/or stimulus intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Dwyer
- Department of Psychology, UC Davis, United States; Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, United States.
| | | | - Clifford D Saron
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, United States; MIND Institute, UC Davis, United States
| | - Susan M Rivera
- Department of Psychology, UC Davis, United States; Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, United States; MIND Institute, UC Davis, United States
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Kwan Cheung KA, Mitchell MD, Heussler HS. Cannabidiol and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:643442. [PMID: 34093265 PMCID: PMC8175856 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.643442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders (such as autism spectrum disorder) have broad health implications for children, with no definitive cure for the vast majority of them. However, recently medicinal cannabis has been successfully trialled as a treatment to manage many of the patients' symptoms and improve quality of life. The cannabinoid cannabidiol, in particular, has been reported to be safe and well-tolerated with a plethora of anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. Lately, the current consensus is that the endocannabinoid system is a crucial factor in neural development and health; research has found evidence that there are a multitude of signalling pathways involving neurotransmitters and the endocannabinoid system by which cannabinoids could potentially exert their therapeutic effects. A better understanding of the cannabinoids' mechanisms of action should lead to improved treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith A Kwan Cheung
- Centre for Children's Health Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Murray D Mitchell
- Centre for Children's Health Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Helen S Heussler
- Centre for Clinical Trials in Rare Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Child Development Program, Children's Health Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Children's Health Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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33
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Mansour Y, Ahmed SN, Kulesza R. Abnormal morphology and subcortical projections to the medial geniculate in an animal model of autism. Exp Brain Res 2020; 239:381-400. [PMID: 33200290 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-020-05982-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Auditory dysfunction, including hypersensitivity and tinnitus, is a common symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Prenatal exposure to the antiseizure medication valproic acid (VPA) significantly increases the risk of ASD in humans and similar exposure is utilized as an animal model of ASD in rodents. Animals exposed to VPA in utero have abnormal activity in their auditory cortex in response to sounds, fewer neurons, abnormal neuronal morphology, reduced expression of calcium-binding proteins, and reduced ascending projections to the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus. Unfortunately, these previous studies of central auditory circuits neglect the medial geniculate (MG), which serves as an important auditory relay from the midbrain to the auditory cortex. Here, we examine the structure and connectivity of the medial geniculate (MG) in rats prenatally exposed to VPA. Our results indicate that VPA exposure results in significantly smaller and fewer neurons in the ventral and medial nuclei of the MG. Furthermore, injections of the retrograde tract tracer fluorogold (FG) in the MG result in significantly fewer FG+ neurons in the inferior colliculus, superior olivary complex, and ventral cochlear nucleus. Together, we interpret these findings to indicate that VPA exposure results in hypoplasia throughout the auditory circuits and that VPA has a differential impact on some long-range axonal projections from brainstem centers to the thalamus. Together, our findings support the widespread impact of VPA on neurons and sensory circuits in the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusra Mansour
- Department of Anatomy, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, 1858 West Grandview Blvd, Erie, PA, 16504, USA
| | - Syed Naved Ahmed
- Department of Anatomy, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, 1858 West Grandview Blvd, Erie, PA, 16504, USA
| | - Randy Kulesza
- Department of Anatomy, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, 1858 West Grandview Blvd, Erie, PA, 16504, USA.
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Murray SO, Kolodny T, Schallmo MP, Gerdts J, Bernier RA. Late fMRI Response Components Are Altered in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:241. [PMID: 32694986 PMCID: PMC7338757 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Disrupted cortical neural inhibition has been hypothesized to be a primary contributor to the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This hypothesis predicts that ASD will be associated with an increase in neural responses. We tested this prediction by comparing fMRI response magnitudes to simultaneous visual, auditory, and motor stimulation in ASD and neurotypical (NT) individuals. No increases in the initial transient response in any brain region were observed in ASD, suggesting that there is no increase in overall cortical neural excitability. Most notably, there were widespread fMRI magnitude increases in the ASD response following stimulation offset, approximately 6–8 s after the termination of sensory and motor stimulation. In some regions, the higher fMRI offset response in ASD could be attributed to a lack of an “undershoot”—an often observed feature of fMRI responses believed to reflect inhibitory processing. Offset response magnitude was associated with reaction times (RT) in the NT group and may explain an overall reduced RT in the ASD group. Overall, our results suggest that increases in neural responsiveness are present in ASD but are confined to specific components of the neural response, are particularly strong following stimulation offset, and are linked to differences in RT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott O Murray
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Tamar Kolodny
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Michael-Paul Schallmo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Jennifer Gerdts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Raphael A Bernier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Abstract
Abnormal sensory processing has been observed in autism, including superior visual motion discrimination, but the neural basis for these sensory changes remains unknown. Leveraging well-characterized suppressive neural circuits in the visual system, we used behavioral and fMRI tasks to demonstrate a significant reduction in neural suppression in young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to neurotypical controls. MR spectroscopy measurements revealed no group differences in neurotransmitter signals. We show how a computational model that incorporates divisive normalization, as well as narrower top-down gain (that could result, for example, from a narrower window of attention), can explain our observations and divergent previous findings. Thus, weaker neural suppression is reflected in visual task performance and fMRI measures in ASD, and may be attributable to differences in top-down processing. Sensory hypersensitivity is common in autism spectrum disorders. Using functional MRI, psychophysics, and computational modeling, Schallmo et al. show that differences in visual motion perception in ASD are accompanied by weaker neural suppression in visual cortex.
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