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Xu X, Li F, Liu C, Wang Y, Yang Z, Xie G, Zhang T. Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation alleviates abnormal behavior in valproic acid rat model of autism through rescuing synaptic plasticity and inhibiting neuroinflammation. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 240:173788. [PMID: 38734150 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with no effective treatment available currently. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is emerging as a promising neuromodulation technique to treat autism. However, the mechanism how rTMS works remains unclear, which restrict the clinical application of magnetic stimulation in the autism treatment. In this study, we investigated the effect of low-frequency rTMS on the autistic-like symptoms and explored if this neuroprotective effect was associated with synaptic plasticity and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus. A rat model of autism was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats and male offspring were treated with 1 Hz rTMS daily for two weeks continuously. Behavior tests were performed to identify behavioral abnormality. Synaptic plasticity was measured by in vivo electrophysiological recording and Golgi-Cox staining. Synapse and inflammation associated proteins were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses. Results showed prenatal VPA-exposed rats exhibited autistic-like and anxiety-like behaviors, and cognitive impairment. Synaptic plasticity deficits and the abnormality expression of synapse-associated proteins were found in the hippocampus of prenatal VPA-exposed rats. Prenatal VPA exposure increased the level of inflammation cytokines and promoted the excessive activation of microglia. rTMS significantly alleviated the prenatal VPA-induced abnormalities including behavioral and synaptic plasticity deficits, and excessive neuroinflammation. TMS maybe a potential strategy for autism therapy via rescuing synaptic plasticity and inhibiting neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, 300130 Tianjin, China; College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Fangjuan Li
- College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Chunhua Liu
- School of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Wang
- School of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Zhuo Yang
- School of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Guoming Xie
- Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, 315040 Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials Ministry of Education, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China.
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2
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Falcone C, Mevises NY, Hong T, Dufour B, Chen X, Noctor SC, Martínez Cerdeño V. Neuronal and glial cell number is altered in a cortical layer-specific manner in autism. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 25:2238-2253. [PMID: 34107793 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211014408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT The cerebral cortex affected with autism spectrum disorder presents changes in the number of neurons and glia cells, possibly leading to a dysregulation of brain circuits and affecting behavior. However, little is known about cell number alteration in specific layers of the cortex in autism spectrum disorder. We found an increase in the number of neurons and a decrease in the number of astrocytes in specific layers of the prefrontal cortex in postmortem human brains from autism spectrum disorder cases. We hypothesize that this may be due to a failure in neural stem cells to shift differentiation from neurons to glial cells during prenatal brain development. These data provide key anatomical findings that contribute to the bases of autism spectrum disorder pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Falcone
- UC Davis School of Medicine, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, and Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern California, USA
| | - Natalie-Ya Mevises
- UC Davis School of Medicine, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, and Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern California, USA
| | - Tiffany Hong
- UC Davis School of Medicine, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, and Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern California, USA
| | - Brett Dufour
- UC Davis School of Medicine, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, and Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern California, USA
| | - Xiaohui Chen
- UC Davis School of Medicine, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, and Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern California, USA
| | | | - Verónica Martínez Cerdeño
- UC Davis School of Medicine, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, and Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern California, USA
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3
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Casanova MF, Sokhadze EM, Casanova EL, Li X. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Neuropathological Underpinnings and Clinical Correlations. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2020; 35:100832. [PMID: 32892959 PMCID: PMC7477302 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2020.100832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite growing knowledge about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), research findings have not been translated into curative treatment. At present, most therapeutic interventions provide for symptomatic treatment. Outcomes of interventions are judged by subjective endpoints (eg, behavioral assessments) which alongside the highly heterogeneous nature of ASD account for wide variability in the effectiveness of treatments. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is one of the first treatments that targets a putative core pathologic feature of autism, specifically the cortical inhibitory imbalance that alters gamma frequency synchronization. Studies show that low frequency TMS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of individuals with ASD decreases the power of gamma activity and increases the difference between gamma responses to target and nontarget stimuli. TMS improves executive function skills related to self-monitoring behaviors and the ability to apply corrective actions. These improvements manifest themselves as a reduction of stimulus bound behaviors and diminished sympathetic arousal. Results become more significant with increasing number of sessions and bear synergism when used along with neurofeedback. When applied at low frequencies in individuals with ASD, TMS appears to be safe and to improve multiple patient-oriented outcomes. Future studies should be conducted in large populations to establish predictors of outcomes (eg, genetic profiling), length of persistence of benefits, and utility of booster sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel F. Casanova
- Director of Childhood Neurotherapeutics, Greenville Health System, Departments of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, Greenville, SC, USA and Professor of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Estate M. Sokhadze
- Research Professor, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Emily L. Casanova
- Research Assistant Professor, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Xiaoli Li
- Director, State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Center for Collaboration and Innovation in Brain and Learning Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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4
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Jęśko H, Cieślik M, Gromadzka G, Adamczyk A. Dysfunctional proteins in neuropsychiatric disorders: From neurodegeneration to autism spectrum disorders. Neurochem Int 2020; 141:104853. [PMID: 32980494 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite fundamental differences in disease course and outcomes, neurodevelopmental (autism spectrum disorders - ASD) and neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's disease - AD and Parkinson's disease - PD) present surprising, common traits in their molecular pathomechanisms. Uncontrolled oligomerization and aggregation of amyloid β (Aβ), microtubule-associated protein (MAP) tau, or α-synuclein (α-syn) contribute to synaptic impairment and the ensuing neuronal death in both AD and PD. Likewise, the pathogenesis of ASD may be attributed, at least in part, to synaptic dysfunction; attention has also been recently paid to irregularities in the metabolism and function of the Aβ precursor protein (APP), tau, or α-syn. Commonly affected elements include signaling pathways that regulate cellular metabolism and survival such as insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) - PI3 kinase - Akt - mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and a number of key synaptic proteins critically involved in neuronal communication. Understanding how these shared pathomechanism elements operate in different conditions may help identify common targets and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henryk Jęśko
- Department of Cellular Signalling, M. Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Str., 02-106, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Cieślik
- Department of Cellular Signalling, M. Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Str., 02-106, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Grażyna Gromadzka
- Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Faculty of Medicine. Collegium Medicum, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Agata Adamczyk
- Department of Cellular Signalling, M. Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Str., 02-106, Warsaw, Poland.
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Kayarian FB, Jannati A, Rotenberg A, Santarnecchi E. Targeting Gamma-Related Pathophysiology in Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Transcranial Electrical Stimulation: Opportunities and Challenges. Autism Res 2020; 13:1051-1071. [PMID: 32468731 PMCID: PMC7387209 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A range of scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities correlates with the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Among these are alterations of brain oscillations in the gamma-frequency EEG band in adults and children with ASD, whose origin has been linked to dysfunctions of inhibitory interneuron signaling. While therapeutic interventions aimed to modulate gamma oscillations are being tested for neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and frontotemporal dementia, the prospects for therapeutic gamma modulation in ASD have not been extensively studied. Accordingly, we discuss gamma-related alterations in the setting of ASD pathophysiology, as well as potential interventions that can enhance gamma oscillations in patients with ASD. Ultimately, we argue that transcranial electrical stimulation modalities capable of entraining gamma oscillations, and thereby potentially modulating inhibitory interneuron circuitry, are promising methods to study and mitigate gamma alterations in ASD. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1051-1071. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Brain functions are mediated by various oscillatory waves of neuronal activity, ranging in amplitude and frequency. In certain neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease, reduced high-frequency oscillations in the "gamma" band have been observed, and therapeutic interventions to enhance such activity are being explored. Here, we review and comment on evidence of reduced gamma activity in ASD, arguing that modalities used in other disorders may benefit individuals with ASD as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fae B. Kayarian
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ali Jannati
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Rotenberg
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emiliano Santarnecchi
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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6
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Petanjek Z, Sedmak D, Džaja D, Hladnik A, Rašin MR, Jovanov-Milosevic N. The Protracted Maturation of Associative Layer IIIC Pyramidal Neurons in the Human Prefrontal Cortex During Childhood: A Major Role in Cognitive Development and Selective Alteration in Autism. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:122. [PMID: 30923504 PMCID: PMC6426783 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human specific cognitive shift starts around the age of 2 years with the onset of self-awareness, and continues with extraordinary increase in cognitive capacities during early childhood. Diffuse changes in functional connectivity in children aged 2-6 years indicate an increase in the capacity of cortical network. Interestingly, structural network complexity does not increase during this time and, thus, it is likely to be induced by selective maturation of a specific neuronal subclass. Here, we provide an overview of a subclass of cortico-cortical neurons, the associative layer IIIC pyramids of the human prefrontal cortex. Their local axonal collaterals are in control of the prefrontal cortico-cortical output, while their long projections modulate inter-areal processing. In this way, layer IIIC pyramids are the major integrative element of cortical processing, and changes in their connectivity patterns will affect global cortical functioning. Layer IIIC neurons have a unique pattern of dendritic maturation. In contrast to other classes of principal neurons, they undergo an additional phase of extensive dendritic growth during early childhood, and show characteristic molecular changes. Taken together, circuits associated with layer IIIC neurons have the most protracted period of developmental plasticity. This unique feature is advanced but also provides a window of opportunity for pathological events to disrupt normal formation of cognitive circuits involving layer IIIC neurons. In this manuscript, we discuss how disrupted dendritic and axonal maturation of layer IIIC neurons may lead into global cortical disconnectivity, affecting development of complex communication and social abilities. We also propose a model that developmentally dictated incorporation of layer IIIC neurons into maturing cortico-cortical circuits between 2 to 6 years will reveal a previous (perinatal) lesion affecting other classes of principal neurons. This "disclosure" of pre-existing functionally silent lesions of other neuronal classes induced by development of layer IIIC associative neurons, or their direct alteration, could be found in different forms of autism spectrum disorders. Understanding the gene-environment interaction in shaping cognitive microcircuitries may be fundamental for developing rehabilitation and prevention strategies in autism spectrum and other cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdravko Petanjek
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dora Sedmak
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Domagoj Džaja
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Hladnik
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mladen Roko Rašin
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Nataša Jovanov-Milosevic
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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7
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Finisguerra A, Borgatti R, Urgesi C. Non-invasive Brain Stimulation for the Rehabilitation of Children and Adolescents With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2019; 10:135. [PMID: 30787895 PMCID: PMC6373438 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last years, there has been a growing interest in the application of different non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to induce neuroplasticity and to modulate cognition and behavior in adults. Very recently, different attempts have been made to induce functional plastic changes also in pediatric populations. Importantly, not only sensorimotor processing, but also higher-level functions have been addressed, with the aim to boost rehabilitation in different neurodevelopmental disorders. However, efficacy and safety of using these techniques in pediatric population is still debated. The current article aims to review the non-invasive brain stimulation studies conducted in pediatric populations using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or transcranial Direct Current Stimulation. Specifically, the available proofs concerning the efficacy and safety of these techniques on Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, and tic disorders are systematically reviewed and discussed. The article also aims to provide an overview about other possible applications of these and other stimulation techniques for rehabilitative purposes in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Child Neuropsychiatry and Neurorehabilitation Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Cosimo Urgesi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Pasian di Prato, Udine, Italy.,Child Neuropsychiatry and Neurorehabilitation Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy.,Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Languages, Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
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8
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Meguid NA, Nashaat NH, Hashem HS, Khalil MM. Frequency of risk factors and coexisting abnormalities in a population of Egyptian children with autism spectrum disorder. Asian J Psychiatr 2018; 32:54-58. [PMID: 29216607 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2017.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many risk factors interact together during the critical period of development and govern the future phenotype of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Furthermore, co-occurring abnormalities among individuals with ASD vary a lot so as their abilities. AIM OF WORK To investigate possible risk factors and to determine the prevalence of coexisting abnormalities in a sample of Egyptian ASD children and their influence on the severity and their communication performance. METHODS The diagnosis and severity of ASD for participants (N=80) was performed by DSM-5, ADIR and CARS. They were investigated regarding the possible risk factors and coexisting abnormalities. A detailed history taking, clinical examination, the Arabic preschool language scale, cognitive abilities assessment and other additional instrumental measures such as EEG were used. RESULTS Caesarian section and neonatal jaundice were the most common risk factors. The severity of ASD was positively related to maternal and paternal ages. Developmental language disorder, intellectual disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sleep disorder and EEG changes were more frequently detected among studied cases. The CARS scores were significantly higher in ADHD and EEG changes groups. The most severely affected CARS items in the groups with these disorders were determined. CONCLUSION High parental ages has an impact on the severity of ASD. ADHD, sleep disorder, and EEG changes seem to have an impact on certain elements of the adaptive behavior especially the communicative performance of ASD individuals. We recommend to seriously investigate co-morbid abnormalities and consider them during the process of management of ASD for proper intervention plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagwa Abdel Meguid
- Research on Children with Special Needs Department, Medical research division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt; CONEM Egypt Child Brain Research Group, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Neveen Hassan Nashaat
- Research on Children with Special Needs Department, Medical research division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Heba S Hashem
- Research on Children with Special Needs Department, Medical research division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mai M Khalil
- Research on Children with Special Needs Department, Medical research division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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9
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Rochette AC, Soulières I, Berthiaume C, Godbout R. NREM sleep EEG activity and procedural memory: A comparison between young neurotypical and autistic adults without sleep complaints. Autism Res 2018; 11:613-623. [PMID: 29381247 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Delta EEG activity (0.75-3.75 Hz) during non-Rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep reflects the thalamo-cortical system contribution to memory consolidation. The functional integrity of this system is thought to be compromised in the Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This lead us to investigate the topography of NREM sleep Delta EEG activity in young adults with ASD and typically-developed individuals (TYP). The relationship between Delta EEG activity and sensory-motor procedural information was also examined using a rotary pursuit task. Two dependent variables were computed: a learning index (performance increase across trials) and a performance index (average performance for all trials). The ASD group showed less Delta EEG activity during NREM sleep over the parieto-occipital recording sites compared to the TYP group. Delta EEG activity dropped more abruptly from frontal to posterior regions in the ASD group. Both groups of participants learned the task at a similar rate but the ASD group performed less well in terms of contact time with the target. Delta EEG activity during NREM sleep, especially during stage 2, correlated positively with the learning index for electrodes located all over the cortex in the TYP group, but only in the frontal region in the ASD group. Delta EEG activity, especially during stage 2, correlated positively with the performance index, but in the ASD group only. These results reveal an atypical thalamo-cortical functioning over the parieto-occipital region in ASD. They also point toward an atypical relationship between the frontal area and the encoding of sensory-motor procedural memory in ASD. Autism Res 2018, 11: 613-623. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY Slow EEG waves recorded from the scalp during sleep are thought to facilitate learning and memory during daytime. We compared these EEG waves in young autistic adults to typically-developing young adults. We found less slow EEG waves in the ASD group and the pattern of relationship with memory differed between groups. This suggests atypicalities in the way sleep mechanisms are associated with learning and performance in a sensory-motor procedural memory task in ASD individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie-Claude Rochette
- Sleep Laboratory & Clinic, Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Autism Center of Excellence, Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Research Center, Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, CIUSSS-du-Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Isabelle Soulières
- Autism Center of Excellence, Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Research Center, Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, CIUSSS-du-Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Claude Berthiaume
- Research Center, Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, CIUSSS-du-Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Roger Godbout
- Sleep Laboratory & Clinic, Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Autism Center of Excellence, Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Research Center, Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, CIUSSS-du-Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Abstract
Early autism research focused on behavior and cognition. In recent decades, the pace of research has accelerated, and advances in imaging and genetics have allowed the accumulation of biological data. Nevertheless, a coherent picture of the syndrome at either phenotypic or biological level has not emerged. We see two fundamental obstacles to progress in basic understanding of autism. First, the two defining features (impairment in social interactions and communication, and restricted, repetitive behaviors and interests) are historically seen as integrally related. Others hold that these two major traits are fractionable and must be studied independently, casting doubt on autism as a coherent syndrome. Second, despite much recent research on brain structure and function, environmental factors, and genetics/genomics, findings on the biological level have not generally aligned well with those on the phenotypic level. In the first two sections, we explore these challenges, and in the third section, we review approaches that may facilitate progress, such as (1) including in studies all individuals defined by social impairment without regard to repetitive behaviors, (2) forming narrowly defined subtypes by thorough characterization on specific features, both diagnostic and non-diagnostic, (3) focusing on characteristics that may be relatively robust to environmental influence, (4) studying children as early as possible, minimizing environmental influence, and including longitudinal course as an important part of the phenotype, (5) subtyping by environmental risk factors, (6) distinguishing between what participants can do and what they typically do, and (7) aggregating large data sets across sites. (JINS, 2017, 23, 903-915).
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11
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Barbeau WE. Neonatal and regressive forms of autism: Diseases with similar symptoms but a different etiology. Med Hypotheses 2017; 109:46-52. [PMID: 29150292 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be a debilitating, life-long neurocognitive disease. ASD is caused by genetic and epigenetic factors and largely unknown and poorly understood environmental triggers. Signs and symptoms of ASD often appear in the first year of life while the disease strikes other infants who had previously been developing normally at around 2years of age. Ozonoff and her colleagues recently suggested that there are three different pathways or trajectories for the development of ASD in infants 6-24months of age. I hypothesize that pathway 1 is caused by in utero insult/injury, pathway 2 by obstetric complications at birth, and pathway 3 by environmental triggers of ASD affecting infants 0-3years of age. Faster progress can be made in elucidating the underlying causes of neonatal and regressive forms of ASD if the diseases are investigated separately, instead of being part of the same disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Barbeau
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
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12
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Gómez L, Vidal B, Maragoto C, Morales LM, Berrillo S, Vera Cuesta H, Baez M, Denis M, Marín T, Cabrera Y, Sánchez A, Alarcón C, Selguera M, Llanez Y, Dieguez L, Robinson M. Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Short-Term Outcome Study. Behav Sci (Basel) 2017; 7:E63. [PMID: 28926975 PMCID: PMC5618071 DOI: 10.3390/bs7030063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) is a relatively new therapeutic approach that has shown beneficial effects in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). One question to be answered is how enduring its neuromodulatory effect could be. Twenty-four patients with ASD (mean age: 12.2 years) received 20 sessions of NIBS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC). They were randomized into two groups with two (G1) or three (G2) clinical evaluations before NIBS. Both groups had a complete follow-up at six months after the intervention, with the aim of determining the short-term outcome using the total score on the Autism Behavior Checklist, Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist, and the Autism Diagnostic Interview. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) was used in ASD patients aged <11 years, and repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for 11-13-year-olds. Observation points were at one, three, and six months after completing all the sessions of NIBS. A significant reduction in the total score on the three clinical scales was observed and maintained during the first six months after treatment, with a slight and non-significant tendency to increase the scores in the last evaluation. Twenty sessions of NIBS over the L-DLPFC improves autistic symptoms in ASD children, with a lasting effect of six months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lázaro Gómez
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit, International Center for Neurological Restoration, 25th Ave, Playa, Havana 15805, Cuba.
- Clinical Neurophysiology Lab., International Center for Neurological Restoration, 25th Ave. Playa, Havana 15805, Cuba.
| | - Belkis Vidal
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Borrás-Marfán Hospital, G and 27 Street., Vedado, Havana 10400, Cuba.
| | - Carlos Maragoto
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit, International Center for Neurological Restoration, 25th Ave, Playa, Havana 15805, Cuba.
- Neuropediatric Clinic, International Center for Neurological Restoration, 25th Ave. Playa, Havana 15805, Cuba.
| | - Lilia Maria Morales
- Clinical Neurophysiology Lab., International Center for Neurological Restoration, 25th Ave. Playa, Havana 15805, Cuba.
| | - Sheyla Berrillo
- Clinical Neurophysiology Lab., International Center for Neurological Restoration, 25th Ave. Playa, Havana 15805, Cuba.
| | - Héctor Vera Cuesta
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit, International Center for Neurological Restoration, 25th Ave, Playa, Havana 15805, Cuba.
- Neuropediatric Clinic, International Center for Neurological Restoration, 25th Ave. Playa, Havana 15805, Cuba.
| | - Margarita Baez
- Clinical Neurophysiology Lab., International Center for Neurological Restoration, 25th Ave. Playa, Havana 15805, Cuba.
| | - Marlén Denis
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit, International Center for Neurological Restoration, 25th Ave, Playa, Havana 15805, Cuba.
- Neuropediatric Clinic, International Center for Neurological Restoration, 25th Ave. Playa, Havana 15805, Cuba.
| | - Tairí Marín
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit, International Center for Neurological Restoration, 25th Ave, Playa, Havana 15805, Cuba.
- Neuropediatric Clinic, International Center for Neurological Restoration, 25th Ave. Playa, Havana 15805, Cuba.
| | - Yaumara Cabrera
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit, International Center for Neurological Restoration, 25th Ave, Playa, Havana 15805, Cuba.
- Neuropediatric Clinic, International Center for Neurological Restoration, 25th Ave. Playa, Havana 15805, Cuba.
| | - Abel Sánchez
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit, International Center for Neurological Restoration, 25th Ave, Playa, Havana 15805, Cuba.
| | - Celia Alarcón
- Clinical Neurophysiology Lab., International Center for Neurological Restoration, 25th Ave. Playa, Havana 15805, Cuba.
| | - Maribel Selguera
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Borrás-Marfán Hospital, G and 27 Street., Vedado, Havana 10400, Cuba.
| | - Yaima Llanez
- Neuropediatric Clinic, International Center for Neurological Restoration, 25th Ave. Playa, Havana 15805, Cuba.
| | - Lucila Dieguez
- Clinical Neurophysiology Lab., International Center for Neurological Restoration, 25th Ave. Playa, Havana 15805, Cuba.
| | - María Robinson
- Clinical Immunology Lab., International Center for Neurological Restoration, 25th Ave. Playa, Havana 15805, Cuba.
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Hashemi E, Ariza J, Rogers H, Noctor SC, Martínez-Cerdeño V. The Number of Parvalbumin-Expressing Interneurons Is Decreased in the Prefrontal Cortex in Autism. Cereb Cortex 2017; 27:1931-1943. [PMID: 26922658 PMCID: PMC6074948 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The cognitive phenotype of autism has been correlated with an altered balance of excitation to inhibition in the cerebral cortex, which could result from a change in the number, function, or morphology of GABA-expressing interneurons. The number of GABAergic interneuron subtypes has not been quantified in the autistic cerebral cortex. We classified interneurons into 3 subpopulations based on expression of the calcium-binding proteins parvalbumin, calbindin, or calretinin. We quantified the number of each interneuron subtype in postmortem neocortical tissue from 11 autistic cases and 10 control cases. Prefrontal Brodmann Areas (BA) BA46, BA47, and BA9 in autism and age-matched controls were analyzed by blinded researchers. We show that the number of parvalbumin+ interneurons in these 3 cortical areas-BA46, BA47, and BA9-is significantly reduced in autism compared with controls. The number of calbindin+ and calretinin+ interneurons did not differ in the cortical areas examined. Parvalbumin+ interneurons are fast-spiking cells that synchronize the activity of pyramidal cells through perisomatic and axo-axonic inhibition. The reduced number of parvalbumin+ interneurons could disrupt the balance of excitation/inhibition and alter gamma wave oscillations in the cerebral cortex of autistic subjects. These data will allow development of novel treatments specifically targeting parvalbumin interneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezzat Hashemi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jeanelle Ariza
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Haille Rogers
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Stephen C. Noctor
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Verónica Martínez-Cerdeño
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
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14
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McLennan A. Ultrasound and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Australas J Ultrasound Med 2016; 19:131-132. [DOI: 10.1002/ajum.12033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew McLennan
- Discipline of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology; University of Sydney; Camperdown New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Ultrasound for Women; Chatswood New South Wales Australia
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Höglund Carlsson L, Saltvedt S, Anderlid BM, Westerlund J, Gillberg C, Westgren M, Fernell E. Prenatal ultrasound and childhood autism: long-term follow-up after a randomized controlled trial of first- vs second-trimester ultrasound. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2016; 48:285-288. [PMID: 27184020 DOI: 10.1002/uog.15962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze whether the frequency of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a cohort of Swedish children differs between those exposed to ultrasound in the 12(th) week and those exposed to ultrasound in the 18(th) week of gestation. METHODS The study cohort consisted of approximately 30 000 children born between 1999 and 2003 to mothers who had been randomized to a prenatal ultrasound examination at either 12 or 18 weeks' gestation as part of the framework for a study on nuchal translucency screening. The outcome measure in the present study was the rate of ASD diagnoses among the children. Information on ASD diagnoses was based on data from the Swedish social insurance agency concerning childcare allowance granted for ASD. RESULTS Between 1999 and 2003, a total of 14 726 children were born to women who underwent a 12-week ultrasound examination and 14 596 to women who underwent an 18-week ultrasound examination. Of these, 181 (1.2%) and 176 (1.2%) children, respectively, had been diagnosed with ASD. There was no difference in ASD frequency between the early and late ultrasound groups. CONCLUSIONS Women subjected to at least one prenatal ultrasound examination at either 12 or 18 weeks' gestation had children with similar rates of ASD. However, this result reflects routine care 10-15 years ago in Sweden. Today, higher intensity ultrasound scans are performed more frequently, at earlier stages during pregnancy and for non-medical purposes, implying longer exposure time for the fetus. This change in the use of ultrasound necessitates further follow-up study of the possible effects that high exposure to ultrasound during the gestational period has on the developing brain. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Höglund Carlsson
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Pediatrics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Saltvedt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B-M Anderlid
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery and Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Westerlund
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Gillberg
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - M Westgren
- Center for Fetal Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital and Division of Clintec, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - E Fernell
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Wang T, Shi F, Jin Y, Jiang W, Shen D, Xiao S. Abnormal Changes of Brain Cortical Anatomy and the Association with Plasma MicroRNA107 Level in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment. Front Aging Neurosci 2016; 8:112. [PMID: 27242521 PMCID: PMC4870937 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2016.00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED MicroRNA107 (Mir107) has been thought to relate to the brain structure phenotype of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we evaluated the cortical anatomy in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and the relation between cortical anatomy and plasma levels of Mir107 and beta-site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1). Twenty aMCI (20 aMCI) and 24 cognitively normal control (NC) subjects were recruited, and T1-weighted MR images were acquired. Cortical anatomical measurements, including cortical thickness (CT), surface area (SA), and local gyrification index (LGI), were assessed. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to examine plasma expression of Mir107, BACE1 mRNA. Thinner cortex was found in aMCI in areas associated with episodic memory and language, but with thicker cortex in other areas. SA decreased in aMCI in the areas associated with working memory and emotion. LGI showed a significant reduction in aMCI in the areas involved in language function. Changes in Mir107 and BACE1 messenger RNA plasma expression were correlated with changes in CT and SA. We found alterations in key left brain regions associated with memory, language, and emotion in aMCI that were significantly correlated with plasma expression of Mir107 and BACE1 mRNA. This combination study of brain anatomical alterations and gene information may shed lights on our understanding of the pathology of AD. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT01819545.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
- IDEA Lab, Department of Radiology and BRIC, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Feng Shi
- IDEA Lab, Department of Radiology and BRIC, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yan Jin
- IDEA Lab, Department of Radiology and BRIC, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Weixiong Jiang
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
| | - Dinggang Shen
- IDEA Lab, Department of Radiology and BRIC, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Engineering, Korea UniversitySeoul, South Korea
| | - Shifu Xiao
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
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17
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Uzunova G, Pallanti S, Hollander E. Excitatory/inhibitory imbalance in autism spectrum disorders: Implications for interventions and therapeutics. World J Biol Psychiatry 2016; 17:174-86. [PMID: 26469219 DOI: 10.3109/15622975.2015.1085597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Imbalance between excitation and inhibition and increased excitatory-inhibitory (E-I) ratio is a common mechanism in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that is responsible for the learning and memory, cognitive, sensory, motor deficits, and seizures occurring in these disorders. ASD are very heterogeneous and better understanding of E-I imbalance in brain will lead to better diagnosis and treatments. METHODS We perform a critical literature review of the causes and presentations of E-I imbalance in ASD. RESULTS E-I imbalance in ASD is due primarily to abnormal glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission in key brain regions such as neocortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and cerebellum. Other causes are due to dysfunction of neuropeptides (oxytocin), synaptic proteins (neuroligins), and immune system molecules (cytokines). At the neuropathological level E-I imbalance in ASD is presented as a "minicolumnopathy". E-I imbalance alters the manner by which the brain processes information and regulates behaviour. New developments for investigating E-I imbalance such as optogenetics and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are presented. Non-invasive brain stimulation methods such as TMS for treatment of the core symptoms of ASD are discussed. CONCLUSIONS Understanding E-I imbalance has important implications for developing better pharmacological and behavioural treatments for ASD, including TMS, new drugs, biomarkers and patient stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genoveva Uzunova
- a Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center , Bronx , NY , USA
| | - Stefano Pallanti
- a Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center , Bronx , NY , USA.,b Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, UC Davis Health System , CA , USA.,c Department Psychiatry , University of Florence , Florence , Italy.,d Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , NY , USA
| | - Eric Hollander
- a Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center , Bronx , NY , USA
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Chen JA, Peñagarikano O, Belgard TG, Swarup V, Geschwind DH. The emerging picture of autism spectrum disorder: genetics and pathology. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2015; 10:111-44. [PMID: 25621659 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-012414-040405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by impaired social interaction and communication accompanied by stereotyped behaviors and restricted interests. Although ASD is common, its genetic and clinical features are highly heterogeneous. A number of recent breakthroughs have dramatically advanced our understanding of ASD from the standpoint of human genetics and neuropathology. These studies highlight the period of fetal development and the processes of chromatin structure, synaptic function, and neuron-glial signaling. The initial efforts to systematically integrate findings of multiple levels of genomic data and studies of mouse models have yielded new clues regarding ASD pathophysiology. This early work points to an emerging convergence of disease mechanisms in this complex and etiologically heterogeneous disorder.
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19
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Hutsler JJ, Casanova MF. Review: Cortical construction in autism spectrum disorder: columns, connectivity and the subplate. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2015; 42:115-34. [PMID: 25630827 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The cerebral cortex undergoes protracted maturation during human development and exemplifies how biology and environment are inextricably intertwined in the construction of complex neural circuits. Autism spectrum disorders are characterized by a number of pathological changes arising from this developmental process. These include: (i) alterations to columnar structure that have significant implications for the organization of cortical circuits and connectivity; (ii) alterations to synaptic spines on individual cortical units that may underlie specific types of connectional changes; and (iii) alterations within the cortical subplate, a region that plays a role in proper cortical development and in regulating interregional communication in the mature brain. Although the cerebral cortex is not the only structure affected in the disorder, it is a fundamental contributor to the behaviours that characterize autism. These alterations to cortical circuitry likely underlie the behavioural phenotype in autism and contribute to the unique pattern of deficits and strengths that characterize cognitive functioning. Recent findings within the cortical subplate may indicate that alterations to cortical construction begin prenatally, before activity-dependent connections are established, and are in need of further study. A better understanding of cortical development in autism spectrum disorders will draw bridges between the microanatomical computational circuitry and the atypical behaviours that arise when that circuitry is modified. In addition, it will allow us to better exploit the constructional plasticity within the brain to design more targeted interventions that better manage atypical cortical construction and that can be applied very early in postnatal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey J Hutsler
- Department of Psychology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| | - Manuel F Casanova
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, USA
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20
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McKavanagh R, Buckley E, Chance SA. Wider minicolumns in autism: a neural basis for altered processing? Brain 2015; 138:2034-45. [PMID: 25935724 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awv110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have found alterations in the columnar organization of the cortex in autism spectrum disorders. Such changes have been suggested to be limited to higher order association areas and to spare primary sensory areas. In addition, evidence from gene-expression studies have suggested that there may be an attenuation of cortical differentiation in autism spectrum disorders. The present study specifically assessed the minicolumns of cells that span the depth of the cortex in a larger sample of autism spectrum disorder cases than have been studied previously, and across a broad age range. The cortical regions to be investigated were carefully chosen to enable hypotheses about cortical differentiation and the vulnerability of association cortex to be tested. Measures of the minicolumnar arrangement of the cortex (minicolumn width, spacing and width of the associated axon bundles) were made in four regions of cortex (primary auditory cortex, auditory association cortex, orbital frontal cortex and inferior parietal lobe) for 28 subjects with autism spectrum disorder and 25 typically developing control subjects. The present study found wider minicolumns in autism spectrum disorder [F(1,28) = 8.098, P = 0.008], which was particularly pronounced at younger ages, providing evidence for an altered developmental trajectory at the microstructural level. In addition, altered minicolumn width was not restricted to higher order association areas, but was also seen in the primary sensory region investigated. Finally, this study found evidence that cortical regional differentiation was still present in autism spectrum disorder [F(3,39) = 5.486, P = 0.003], although attenuated compared to typically developing subjects [F(3,45) = 18.615, P < 0.001]. It is suggested that wider spacing of the minicolumns may relate to the enhanced discrimination seen in some individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca McKavanagh
- 1 Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK 2 Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, University of Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Eleanor Buckley
- 1 Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Steven A Chance
- 1 Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
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21
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Port RG, Gandal MJ, Roberts TPL, Siegel SJ, Carlson GC. Convergence of circuit dysfunction in ASD: a common bridge between diverse genetic and environmental risk factors and common clinical electrophysiology. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:414. [PMID: 25538564 PMCID: PMC4259121 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Most recent estimates indicate that 1 in 68 children are affected by an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Though decades of research have uncovered much about these disorders, the pathological mechanism remains unknown. Hampering efforts is the seeming inability to integrate findings over the micro to macro scales of study, from changes in molecular, synaptic and cellular function to large-scale brain dysfunction impacting sensory, communicative, motor and cognitive activity. In this review, we describe how studies focusing on neuronal circuit function provide unique context for identifying common neurobiological disease mechanisms of ASD. We discuss how recent EEG and MEG studies in subjects with ASD have repeatedly shown alterations in ensemble population recordings (both in simple evoked related potential latencies and specific frequency subcomponents). Because these disease-associated electrophysiological abnormalities have been recapitulated in rodent models, studying circuit differences in these models may provide access to abnormal circuit function found in ASD. We then identify emerging in vivo and ex vivo techniques, focusing on how these assays can characterize circuit level dysfunction and determine if these abnormalities underlie abnormal clinical electrophysiology. Such circuit level study in animal models may help us understand how diverse genetic and environmental risks can produce a common set of EEG, MEG and anatomical abnormalities found in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell G Port
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael J Gandal
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California at Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Timothy P L Roberts
- Bioengineering Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven J Siegel
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gregory C Carlson
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA
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22
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Sokhadze EM, El-Baz AS, Tasman A, Sears LL, Wang Y, Lamina EV, Casanova MF. Neuromodulation integrating rTMS and neurofeedback for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder: an exploratory study. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2014; 39:237-57. [PMID: 25267414 PMCID: PMC4221494 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-014-9264-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction, language, stereotyped behaviors, and restricted range of interests. In previous studies low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been used, with positive behavioral and electrophysiological results, for the experimental treatment in ASD. In this study we combined prefrontal rTMS sessions with electroencephalographic (EEG) neurofeedback (NFB) to prolong and reinforce TMS-induced EEG changes. The pilot trial recruited 42 children with ASD (~14.5 years). Outcome measures included behavioral evaluations and reaction time test with event-related potential (ERP) recording. For the main goal of this exploratory study we used rTMS-neurofeedback combination (TMS-NFB, N = 20) and waitlist (WTL, N = 22) groups to examine effects of 18 sessions of integrated rTMS-NFB treatment or wait period) on behavioral responses, stimulus and response-locked ERPs, and other functional and clinical outcomes. The underlying hypothesis was that combined TMS-NFB will improve executive functions in autistic patients as compared to the WTL group. Behavioral and ERP outcomes were collected in pre- and post-treatment tests in both groups. Results of the study supported our hypothesis by demonstration of positive effects of combined TMS-NFB neurotherapy in active treatment group as compared to control WTL group, as the TMS-NFB group showed significant improvements in behavioral and functional outcomes as compared to the WTL group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estate M Sokhadze
- University of Louisville, 401 E Chestnut Street, Suite 600, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA,
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Disturbed cingulate glutamate metabolism in adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder: evidence in support of the excitatory/inhibitory imbalance hypothesis. Mol Psychiatry 2014; 19:1314-25. [PMID: 25048006 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2014.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Revised: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few years, awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adults has increased. The precise etiology of ASD is still unresolved. Animal research, genetic and postmortem studies suggest that the glutamate (Glu) system has an important role, possibly related to a cybernetic imbalance between neuronal excitation and inhibition. To clarify the possible disruption of Glu metabolism in adults with high-functioning autism, we performed a magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) study investigating the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the cerebellum in adults with high-functioning ASD. Twenty-nine adult patients with high-functioning ASD and 29 carefully matched healthy volunteers underwent MRS scanning of the pregenual ACC and the left cerebellar hemisphere. Metabolic data were compared between groups and were correlated with psychometric measures of autistic features. We found a significant decrease in the cingulate N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) and the combined Glu and glutamine (Glx) signals in adults with ASD, whereas we did not find other metabolic abnormalities in the ACC or the cerebellum. The Glx signal correlated significantly with psychometric measures of autism, particularly with communication deficits. Our data support the hypothesis that there is a link between disturbances of the cingulate NAA and Glx metabolism, and autism. The findings are discussed in the context of the hypothesis of excitatory/inhibitory imbalance in autism. Further research should clarify the specificity and dynamics of these findings regarding other neuropsychiatric disorders and other brain areas.
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Berbel P, Navarro D, Román GC. An evo-devo approach to thyroid hormones in cerebral and cerebellar cortical development: etiological implications for autism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:146. [PMID: 25250016 PMCID: PMC4158880 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The morphological alterations of cortical lamination observed in mouse models of developmental hypothyroidism prompted the recognition that these experimental changes resembled the brain lesions of children with autism; this led to recent studies showing that maternal thyroid hormone deficiency increases fourfold the risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), offering for the first time the possibility of prevention of some forms of ASD. For ethical reasons, the role of thyroid hormones on brain development is currently studied using animal models, usually mice and rats. Although mammals have in common many basic developmental principles regulating brain development, as well as fundamental basic mechanisms that are controlled by similar metabolic pathway activated genes, there are also important differences. For instance, the rodent cerebral cortex is basically a primary cortex, whereas the primary sensory areas in humans account for a very small surface in the cerebral cortex when compared to the associative and frontal areas that are more extensive. Associative and frontal areas in humans are involved in many neurological disorders, including ASD, attention deficit-hyperactive disorder, and dyslexia, among others. Therefore, an evo-devo approach to neocortical evolution among species is fundamental to understand not only the role of thyroid hormones and environmental thyroid disruptors on evolution, development, and organization of the cerebral cortex in mammals but also their role in neurological diseases associated to thyroid dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pere Berbel
- Departamento de Histología y Anatomía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Daniela Navarro
- Departamento de Histología y Anatomía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Gustavo C. Román
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston, TX, USA
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Sokhadze EM, El-Baz AS, Sears LL, Opris I, Casanova MF. rTMS neuromodulation improves electrocortical functional measures of information processing and behavioral responses in autism. Front Syst Neurosci 2014; 8:134. [PMID: 25147508 PMCID: PMC4123734 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2014.00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Reports in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) of a minicolumnopathy with consequent deficits of lateral inhibition help explain observed behavioral and executive dysfunctions. We propose that neuromodulation based on low frequency repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) will enhance lateral inhibition through activation of inhibitory double bouquet interneurons and will be accompanied by improvements in the prefrontal executive functions. In addition we proposed that rTMS will improve cortical excitation/inhibition ratio and result in changes manifested in event-related potential (ERP) recorded during cognitive tests. Materials and Methods: Along with traditional clinical behavioral evaluations the current study used ERPs in a visual oddball task with illusory figures. We compared clinical, behavioral and electrocortical outcomes in two groups of children with autism (TMS, wait-list group). We predicted that 18 session long course in autistic patients will have better behavioral and ERP outcomes as compared to age- and IQ-matched WTL group. We used 18 sessions of 1 Hz rTMS applied over the dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex in 27 individuals with ASD diagnosis. The WTL group was comprised of 27 age-matched subjects with ASD tested twice. Both TMS and WTL groups were assessed at the baseline and after completion of 18 weekly sessions of rTMS (or wait period) using clinical behavioral questionnaires and during performance on visual oddball task with Kanizsa illusory figures. Results: Post-TMS evaluations showed decreased irritability and hyperactivity on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), and decreased stereotypic behaviors on the Repetitive Behavior Scale (RBS-R). Following rTMS course we found decreased amplitude and prolonged latency in the frontal and fronto-central N100, N200 and P300 (P3a) ERPs to non-targets in active TMS treatment group. TMS resulted in increase of P2d (P2a to targets minus P2a to non-targets) amplitude. These ERP changes along with increased centro-parietal P100 and P300 (P3b) to targets are indicative of more efficient processing of information post-TMS treatment. Another important finding was decrease of the latency and increase of negativity of error-related negativity (ERN) during commission errors that may reflect improvement in error monitoring and correction function. Enhanced information processing was also manifested in lower error rate. In addition we calculated normative post-error treaction time (RT) slowing response in both groups and found that rTMS treatment was accompanied by post-error RT slowing and higher accuracy of responses, whereas the WTL group kept on showing typical for ASD post-error RT speeding and higher commission and omission error rates. Conclusion: Results from our study indicate that rTMS improves executive functioning in ASD as evidenced by normalization of ERP responses and behavioral reactions (RT, accuracy) during executive function test, and also by improvements in clinical evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estate M Sokhadze
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Ayman S El-Baz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Lonnie L Sears
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Ioan Opris
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Manuel F Casanova
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville Louisville, KY, USA
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Casanova MF. Autism as a sequence: from heterochronic germinal cell divisions to abnormalities of cell migration and cortical dysplasias. Med Hypotheses 2014; 83:32-8. [PMID: 24780284 PMCID: PMC4070182 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2014.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The considerable heterogeneity in the number and severity of symptoms observed in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been regarded as an obstacle to any future research. Some authors believe that clinical heterogeneity results from the complex interplay of the many genetic and environmental factors that themselves define a condition as multifactorial. However, it is important to note that neuropathological findings in both idiopathic and syndromic autism suggests a single pathophysiological mechanism acting during brain development: the heterochronic division of germinal cells and subsequent migrational abnormalities of daughter cells to their target fields. Multiple exogenous (e.g., viruses, drugs) and endogenous (e.g., genetic mutations) factors are known to disrupt the division of germinal cells and provide for an autism phenotype. The variety of endogenous and exogenous factors, their timing of action during brain development, and the genetic susceptibility of affected individuals (a Triple Hit hypothesis) may all account for the clinical heterogeneity of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel F Casanova
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Louisville, 500 South Preston Street, Building A, Room 217, Louisville, KY 40202, United States.
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27
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Henderson M, Urbanc B, Cruz L. A computational model for the loss of neuronal organization in microcolumns. Biophys J 2014; 106:2233-42. [PMID: 24853752 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2014.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A population of neurons in the cerebral cortex of humans and other mammals organize themselves into vertical microcolumns perpendicular to the pial surface. Anatomical changes to these microcolumns have been correlated with neurological diseases and normal aging; in particular, in area 46 of the rhesus monkey brain, the strength of microcolumns was shown to decrease with age. These changes can be caused by alterations in the spatial distribution of the neurons in microcolumns and/or neuronal loss. Using a three-dimensional computational model of neuronal arrangements derived from thin tissue sections and validated in brain tissue from rhesus monkeys, we show that neuronal loss is inconsistent with the findings in aged individuals. In contrast, a model of simple random neuronal displacements, constrained in magnitude by restorative harmonic forces, is consistent with observed changes and provides mechanistic insights into the age-induced loss of microcolumnar structure. Connection of the model to normal aging and disease are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Henderson
- Department of Physics, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Brigita Urbanc
- Department of Physics, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Luis Cruz
- Department of Physics, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Cocks G, Curran S, Gami P, Uwanogho D, Jeffries AR, Kathuria A, Lucchesi W, Wood V, Dixon R, Ogilvie C, Steckler T, Price J. The utility of patient specific induced pluripotent stem cells for the modelling of Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:1079-88. [PMID: 23839283 PMCID: PMC3932164 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3196-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Until now, models of psychiatric diseases have typically been animal models. Whether they were to be used to further understand the pathophysiology of the disorder, or as drug discovery tools, animal models have been the choice of preference in mimicking psychiatric disorders in an experimental setting. While there have been cellular models, they have generally been lacking in validity. This situation is changing with the advent of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In this article, we give a methodological evaluation of the current state of the iPS technology with reference to our own work in generating patient-specific iPSCs for the study of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). In addition, we will give a broader perspective on the validity of this technology and to what extent it can be expected to complement animal models of ASD in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Cocks
- Department of Neuroscience, The James Black Centre, King’s College London, 125 Coldharbour lane, London, UK
| | - Sarah Curran
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department and MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK
| | - Priya Gami
- Department of Neuroscience, The James Black Centre, King’s College London, 125 Coldharbour lane, London, UK
| | - Dafe Uwanogho
- Department of Neuroscience, The James Black Centre, King’s College London, 125 Coldharbour lane, London, UK
| | - Aaron R. Jeffries
- Department of Neuroscience, The James Black Centre, King’s College London, 125 Coldharbour lane, London, UK
| | - Annie Kathuria
- Department of Neuroscience, The James Black Centre, King’s College London, 125 Coldharbour lane, London, UK
| | - Walter Lucchesi
- Department of Neuroscience, The James Black Centre, King’s College London, 125 Coldharbour lane, London, UK
| | - Victoria Wood
- Department of Neuroscience, The James Black Centre, King’s College London, 125 Coldharbour lane, London, UK
| | - Rosemary Dixon
- Department of Neuroscience, The James Black Centre, King’s College London, 125 Coldharbour lane, London, UK
| | - Caroline Ogilvie
- Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Centre for Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis and Genetics Centre, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Thomas Steckler
- Neuroscience Discovery, Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Jack Price
- Department of Neuroscience, The James Black Centre, King’s College London, 125 Coldharbour lane, London, UK
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Opris I, Santos L, Gerhardt GA, Song D, Berger TW, Hampson RE, Deadwyler SA. Prefrontal cortical microcircuits bind perception to executive control. Sci Rep 2014; 3:2285. [PMID: 23893262 PMCID: PMC3725477 DOI: 10.1038/srep02285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
During the perception-to-action cycle, our cerebral cortex mediates the interactions between the environment and the perceptual-executive systems of the brain. At the top of the executive hierarchy, prefrontal cortical microcircuits are assumed to bind perceptual and executive control information to guide goal-driven behavior. Here, we tested this hypothesis by comparing simultaneously recorded neuron firing in prefrontal cortical layers and the caudate-putamen of rhesus monkeys, trained in a spatial-versus-object, rule-based match-to-sample task. We found that during the perception and executive selection phases, cell firing in the localized prefrontal layers and caudate-putamen region exhibited similar location preferences on spatial-trials, but less on object- trials. Then, we facilitated the perceptual-executive circuit by stimulating the prefrontal infra-granular-layers with patterns previously derived from supra-granular-layers, and produced stimulation-induced spatial preference in percent correct performance on spatial trials, similar to neural tuning. These results show that inter-laminar prefrontal microcircuits play causal roles to the perception-to-action cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioan Opris
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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Opris I, Casanova MF. Prefrontal cortical minicolumn: from executive control to disrupted cognitive processing. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 137:1863-75. [PMID: 24531625 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awt359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex of the primate brain has a modular architecture based on the aggregation of neurons in minicolumnar arrangements having afferent and efferent connections distributed across many brain regions to represent, select and/or maintain behavioural goals and executive commands. Prefrontal cortical microcircuits are assumed to play a key role in the perception to action cycle that integrates relevant information about environment, and then selects and enacts behavioural responses. Thus, neurons within the interlaminar microcircuits participate in various functional states requiring the integration of signals across cortical layers and the selection of executive variables. Recent research suggests that executive abilities emerge from cortico-cortical interactions between interlaminar prefrontal cortical microcircuits, whereas their disruption is involved in a broad spectrum of neurologic and psychiatric disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's and drug addiction. The focus of this review is on the structural, functional and pathological approaches involving cortical minicolumns. Based on recent technological progress it has been demonstrated that microstimulation of infragranular cortical layers with patterns of microcurrents derived from supragranular layers led to an increase in cognitive performance. This suggests that interlaminar prefrontal cortical microcircuits are playing a causal role in improving cognitive performance. An important reason for the new interest in cortical modularity comes from both the impressive progress in understanding anatomical, physiological and pathological facets of cortical microcircuits and the promise of neural prosthetics for patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioan Opris
- 1 Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Manuel F Casanova
- 2 Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
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McGee A, Li G, Lu Z, Qiu S. Convergent synaptic and circuit substrates underlying autism genetic risks. FRONTIERS IN BIOLOGY 2014; 9:137-150. [PMID: 24999357 PMCID: PMC4079081 DOI: 10.1007/s11515-014-1298-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
There has been a surge of diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) over the past decade. While large, high powered genome screening studies of children with ASD have identified numerous genetic risk factors, research efforts to understanding how each of these risk factors contributes to the development autism has met with limited success. Revealing the mechanisms by which these genetic risk factors affect brain development and predispose a child to autism requires mechanistic understanding of the neurobiological changes underlying this devastating group of developmental disorders at multifaceted molecular, cellular and system levels. It has been increasingly clear that the normal trajectory of neurodevelopment is compromised in autism, in multiple domains as much as aberrant neuronal production, growth, functional maturation, patterned connectivity, and balanced excitation and inhibition of brain networks. Many autism risk factors identified in humans have been now reconstituted in experimental mouse models to allow mechanistic interrogation of the biological role of the risk gene. Studies utilizing these mouse models have revealed that underlying the enormous heterogeneity of perturbed cellular events, mechanisms directing synaptic and circuit assembly may provide a unifying explanation for the pathophysiological changes and behavioral endophenotypes seen in autism, although synaptic perturbations are far from being the only alterations relevant for ASD. In this review, we discuss synaptic and circuit abnormalities obtained from several prevalent mouse models, particularly those reflecting syndromic forms of ASD that are caused by single gene perturbations. These compiled results reveal that ASD risk genes contribute to proper signaling of the developing gene networks that maintain synaptic and circuit homeostasis, which is fundamental to normal brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron McGee
- Developmental Neuroscience Program, Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Guohui Li
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, School of Life Science, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Zhongming Lu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Shenfeng Qiu
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, School of Life Science, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
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Bradstreet JJ, Pacini S, Ruggiero M. A New Methodology of Viewing Extra-Axial Fluid and Cortical Abnormalities in Children with Autism via Transcranial Ultrasonography. Front Hum Neurosci 2014; 7:934. [PMID: 24459462 PMCID: PMC3892177 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are developmental conditions of uncertain etiology which have now affected more than 1% of the school-age population of children in many developed nations. Transcranial ultrasonography (TUS) via the temporal bone appeared to be a potential window of investigation to determine the presence of both cortical abnormalities and increased extra-axial fluid (EAF). Methods: TUS was accomplished using a linear probe (10–5 MHz). Parents volunteered ASD subjects (N = 23; males 18, females 5) for evaluations (mean = 7.46 years ± 3.97 years), and 15 neurotypical siblings were also examined (mean = 7.15 years ± 4.49 years). Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS2®) scores were obtained and the ASD score mean was 48.08 + 6.79 (Severe). Results: Comparisons of the extra-axial spaces indicated increases in the ASD subjects. For EAF we scored based on the gyral summit distances between the arachnoid membrane and the cortical pia layer (subarachnoid space): (1) <0.05 cm, (2) 0.05–0.07 cm, (3) 0.08–0.10 cm, (4) >0.10 cm. All of the neurotypical siblings scored 1, whereas the ASD mean score was 3.41 ± 0.67. We also defined cortical dysplasia as the following: hypoechoic lesions within the substance of the cortex, or disturbed layering within the gray matter. For cortical dysplasia we scored: (1) none observed, (2) rare hypoechogenic lesions and/or mildly atypical cortical layering patterns, (3) more common, but separated areas of cortical hypoechogenic lesions, (4) very common or confluent areas of cortical hypoechogenicity. Again all of the neurotypical siblings scored 1, while the ASD subjects’ mean score was 2.79 ± 0.93. Conclusion: TUS may be a useful screening technique for children at potential risk of ASDs which, if confirmed with repeated studies and high resolution MRI, provides rapid, non-invasive qualification of EAF, and cortical lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Jeffrey Bradstreet
- Newport Brain Research Laboratory , Newport Beach, CA , USA ; Brain Treatment Center , Newport Beach, CA , USA ; Brain Treatment Center , Buford, GA , USA
| | - Stefania Pacini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Marco Ruggiero
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy ; Immuno Biotech Ltd., Saint Peter Port , Guernsey
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Amiet C, Gourfinkel-An I, Laurent C, Bodeau N, Génin B, Leguern E, Tordjman S, Cohen D. Does epilepsy in multiplex autism pedigrees define a different subgroup in terms of clinical characteristics and genetic risk? Mol Autism 2013; 4:47. [PMID: 24289166 PMCID: PMC4176303 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-4-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and epilepsy frequently occur together. Prevalence rates are variable, and have been attributed to age, gender, comorbidity, subtype of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) and risk factors. Recent studies have suggested disparate clinical and genetic settings depending on simplex or multiplex autism. The aim of this study was to assess: 1) the prevalence of epilepsy in multiplex autism and its association with genetic and non-genetic risk factors of major effect, intellectual disability and gender; and 2) whether autism and epilepsy cosegregate within multiplex autism families. METHODS We extracted from the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) database (n = 3,818 children from 1,264 families) all families with relevant medical data (n = 664 children from 290 families). The sample included 478 children with ASD and 186 siblings without ASD. We analyzed the following variables: seizures, genetic and non-genetic risk factors, gender, and cognitive functioning as assessed by Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS). RESULTS The prevalence of epilepsy was 12.8% in cases with ASD and 2.2% in siblings without ASD (P <10-5). With each RCPM or VABS measure, the risk of epilepsy in multiplex autism was significantly associated with intellectual disability, but not with gender. Identified risk factors (genetic or non-genetic) of autism tended to be significantly associated with epilepsy (P = 0.052). When children with prematurity, pre- or perinatal insult, or cerebral palsy were excluded, a genetic risk factor was reported for 6/59 (10.2%) of children with epilepsy and 12/395 (3.0%) of children without epilepsy (P = 0.002). Finally, using a permutation test, there was significant evidence that the epilepsy phenotype co-segregated within families (P <10-4). CONCLUSIONS Epilepsy in multiplex autism may define a different subgroup in terms of clinical characteristics and genetic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - David Cohen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 47 bd de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France.
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Opris I. Inter-laminar microcircuits across neocortex: repair and augmentation. Front Syst Neurosci 2013; 7:80. [PMID: 24312019 PMCID: PMC3832795 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2013.00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ioan Opris
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of MedicineWinston-Salem, NC, USA
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Jaarsma P, Welin S. Human capabilities, mild autism, deafness and the morality of embryo selection. MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2013; 16:817-824. [PMID: 23334404 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-013-9464-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
A preimplantation genetic test to discriminate between severe and mild autism spectrum disorder might be developed in the foreseeable future. Recently, the philosophers Julian Savulescu and Guy Kahane claimed that there are strong reasons for prospective parents to make use of such a test to prevent the birth of children who are disposed to autism or Asperger's disorder. In this paper we will criticize this claim. We will discuss the morality of selection for mild autism in embryo selection in a hypothetical in vitro fertilization (IVF) situation where preimplantation genetic diagnosis is performed and compare this with a similar selection for congenital deafness. To do this we first discuss relevant human differences. We then introduce the principle of human capabilities (PC) and compare this principle with the principle of procreative beneficence (PB) introduced by Savulescu and Kahane. We apply the two principles to selection for mild autism and selection for congenital deafness. We argue that PC allows for the selection for mild autism but rules out selection for congenital deafness. PB will not give clear answers; the ruling of PB depends to a large extent on expected social, cultural and political developments. We will argue that PC is preferable to PB. We will discuss arguments for the value of mild autism for individuals who have this condition and argue that they are able to lead a life with human dignity provided autism-friendly social circumstances are present. Neither PC nor PB yields strong reasons for prospective parents to seek to prevent the birth of children who are disposed to mild autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier Jaarsma
- Division of Health and Society, IMH, University of Linköping, SE-581 83, Linköping, Sweden,
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de Lacy N, King BH. Revisiting the relationship between autism and schizophrenia: toward an integrated neurobiology. Annu Rev Clin Psychol 2013; 9:555-87. [PMID: 23537488 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-050212-185627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia and autism have been linked since their earliest descriptions. Both are disorders of cerebral specialization originating in the embryonic period. Genetic, molecular, and cytologic research highlights a variety of shared contributory mechanisms that may lead to patterns of abnormal connectivity arising from altered development and topology. Overt behavioral pathology likely emerges during or after neurosensitive periods in which resource demands overwhelm system resources and the individual's ability to compensate using interregional activation fails. We are at the threshold of being able to chart autism and schizophrenia from the inside out. In so doing, the door is opened to the consideration of new therapeutics that are developed based upon molecular, synaptic, and systems targets common to both disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina de Lacy
- University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
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Casanova MF, El-Baz AS, Kamat SS, Dombroski BA, Khalifa F, Elnakib A, Soliman A, Allison-McNutt A, Switala AE. Focal cortical dysplasias in autism spectrum disorders. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2013; 1:67. [PMID: 24252498 PMCID: PMC3893372 DOI: 10.1186/2051-5960-1-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous reports indicate the presence of histological abnormalities in the brains of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) suggestive of a dysplastic process. In this study we identified areas of abnormal cortical thinning within the cerebral cortex of ASD individuals and examined the same for neuronal morphometric abnormalities by using computerized image analysis. Results The study analyzed celloidin-embedded and Nissl-stained serial full coronal brain sections of 7 autistic (ADI-R diagnosed) and 7 age/sex-matched neurotypicals. Sections were scanned and manually segmented before implementing an algorithm using Laplace’s equation to measure cortical width. Identified areas were then subjected to analysis for neuronal morphometry. Results of our study indicate the presence within our ASD population of circumscribed foci of diminished cortical width that varied among affected individuals both in terms of location and overall size with the frontal lobes being particularly involved. Spatial statistic indicated a reduction in size of neurons within affected areas. Granulometry confirmed the presence of smaller pyramidal cells and suggested a concomitant reduction in the total number of interneurons. Conclusions The neuropathology is consistent with a diagnosis of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). Results from the medical literature (e.g., heterotopias) and our own study suggest that the genesis of this cortical malformation seemingly resides in the heterochronic divisions of periventricular germinal cells. The end result is that during corticogenesis radially migrating neuroblasts (future pyramidal cells) are desynchronized in their development from those that follow a tangential route (interneurons). The possible presence of a pathological mechanism in common among different conditions expressing an autism-like phenotype argue in favor of considering ASD a “sequence” rather than a syndrome. Focal cortical dysplasias in ASD may serve to explain the high prevalence of seizures and sensory abnormalities in this patient population.
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Hampson RE, Fuqua JL, Huettl PF, Opris I, Song D, Shin D, Marmarelis VZ, Berger TW, Gerhardt GA, Deadwyler SA. Conformal ceramic electrodes that record glutamate release and corresponding neural activity in primate prefrontal cortex. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2013; 2013:5954-7. [PMID: 24111095 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2013.6610908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Conformal ceramic electrodes utilized in prior recordings of nonhuman primate prefrontal cortical layer 2/3 and layer 5 neurons were used in this study to record tonic glutamate concentration and transient release in layer 2/3 PFC. Tonic glutamate concentration increased in the Match (decision) phase of a visual delayed-match-to-sample (DMS) task, while increased transient glutamate release occurred in the Sample (encoding) phase of the task. Further, spatial vs. object-oriented DMS trials evoked differential changes in glutamate concentration. Thus the same conformal recording electrodes were capable of electrophysiological and electrochemical recording, and revealed similar evidence of neural processing in layers 2/3 and layer 5 during cognitive processing in a behavioral task.
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Frey HP, Molholm S, Lalor EC, Russo NN, Foxe JJ. Atypical cortical representation of peripheral visual space in children with an autism spectrum disorder. Eur J Neurosci 2013; 38:2125-38. [PMID: 23692590 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A key feature of early visual cortical regions is that they contain discretely organized retinotopic maps. Titration of these maps must occur through experience, and the fidelity of their spatial tuning will depend on the consistency and accuracy of the eye movement system. Anomalies in fixation patterns and the ballistics of eye movements are well documented in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with off-center fixations a hallmark of the phenotype. We hypothesized that these atypicalities might affect the development of visuo-spatial maps and specifically that peripheral inputs might receive altered processing in ASD. Using high-density recordings of visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and a novel system-identification approach known as VESPA (visual evoked spread spectrum analysis), we assessed sensory responses to centrally and peripherally presented stimuli. Additionally, input luminance was varied to bias responsiveness to the magnocellular system, given previous suggestions of magnocellular-specific deficits in ASD. Participants were 22 ASD children (7-17 years of age) and 31 age- and performance-IQ-matched neurotypical controls. Both VEP and VESPA responses to central presentations were indistinguishable between groups. In contrast, peripheral presentations resulted in significantly greater early VEP and VESPA amplitudes in the ASD cohort. We found no evidence that anomalous enhancement was restricted to magnocellular-biased responses. The extent of peripheral response enhancement was related to the severity of stereotyped behaviors and restricted interests, cardinal symptoms of ASD. The current results point to differential visuo-spatial cortical mapping in ASD, shedding light on the consequences of peculiarities in gaze and stereotyped visual behaviors often reported by clinicians working with this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Peter Frey
- Department of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, The Sheryl and Daniel R Tishman Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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The effect of gestational age on symptom severity in children with autism spectrum disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2013; 42:2431-9. [PMID: 22422339 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-012-1501-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Between 2006 and 2010, two research-validated instruments, Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) and Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) were filled out online by 4,188 mothers of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children, aged 4-21, as part of voluntary parental participation in a large web-based registry. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis (adjusted for child's sex, ability to verbalize, categorical IQ score, and fetal growth rate) demonstrated significantly higher SCQ and SRS scores for ASD children of both preterm (<37 weeks) and post-term (>42 weeks) gestational age (GA) compared to ASD children of normal GA, thus indicating that both preterm and post-term children manifest increased ASD symptomatology. Normal GA at birth appears to mitigate the severity of autistic social impairment in ASD children.
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Blatt GJ. The neuropathology of autism. SCIENTIFICA 2012; 2012:703675. [PMID: 24278731 PMCID: PMC3820437 DOI: 10.6064/2012/703675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2012] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Autism is a behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder that affects over 1% of new births in the United States and about 2% of boys. The etiologies are unknown and they are genetically complex. There may be epigenetic effects, environmental influences, and other factors that contribute to the mechanisms and affected neural pathway(s). The underlying neuropathology of the disorder has been evolving in the literature to include specific brain areas in the cerebellum, limbic system, and cortex. Part(s) of structures appear to be affected most rather than the entire structure, for example, select nuclei of the amygdala, the fusiform face area, and so forth. Altered cortical organization characterized by more frequent and narrower minicolumns and early overgrowth of the frontal portion of the brain, affects connectivity. Abnormalities include cytoarchitectonic laminar differences, excess white matter neurons, decreased numbers of GABAergic cerebellar Purkinje cells, and other events that can be traced developmentally and cause anomalies in circuitry. Problems with neurotransmission are evident by recent receptor and binding site studies especially in the inhibitory GABA system likely contributing to an imbalance of excitatory/inhibitory transmission. As postmortem findings are related to core behavior symptoms, and technology improves, researchers are gaining a much better perspective of contributing factors to the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gene J. Blatt
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Boston University, 72 East Concord Street L 1004, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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Hampson RE, Gerhardt GA, Marmarelis V, Song D, Opris I, Santos L, Berger TW, Deadwyler SA. Facilitation and restoration of cognitive function in primate prefrontal cortex by a neuroprosthesis that utilizes minicolumn-specific neural firing. J Neural Eng 2012; 9:056012. [PMID: 22976769 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2560/9/5/056012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Maintenance of cognitive control is a major concern for many human disease conditions; therefore, a major goal of human neuroprosthetics is to facilitate and/or recover the cognitive function when such circumstances impair appropriate decision making. APPROACH Minicolumnar activity from the prefrontal cortex (PFC) was recorded from nonhuman primates trained to perform a delayed match to sample (DMS), via custom-designed conformal multielectrode arrays that provided inter-laminar recordings from neurons in the PFC layer 2/3 and layer 5. Such recordings were analyzed via a previously demonstrated nonlinear multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) neuroprosthesis in rodents, which extracted and characterized multicolumnar firing patterns during DMS performance. MAIN RESULTS The MIMO model verified that the conformal recorded individual PFC minicolumns responded to entrained target selections in patterns critical for successful DMS performance. This allowed the substitution of task-related layer 5 neuron firing patterns with electrical stimulation in the same recording regions during columnar transmission from layer 2/3 at the time of target selection. Such stimulation improved normal task performance, but more importantly, recovered performance when applied as a neuroprosthesis following the pharmacological disruption of decision making in the same task. SIGNIFICANCE These findings provide the first successful application of neuroprosthesis in the primate brain designed specifically to restore or repair the disrupted cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Hampson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Jacot-Descombes S, Uppal N, Wicinski B, Santos M, Schmeidler J, Giannakopoulos P, Heinsen H, Schmitz C, Hof PR. Decreased pyramidal neuron size in Brodmann areas 44 and 45 in patients with autism. Acta Neuropathol 2012; 124:67-79. [PMID: 22467063 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-012-0976-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction and social communication, as well as by the presence of repetitive and stereotyped behaviors and interests. Brodmann areas 44 and 45 in the inferior frontal cortex, which are involved in language processing, imitation function, and sociality processing networks, have been implicated in this complex disorder. Using a stereologic approach, this study aims to explore the presence of neuropathological differences in areas 44 and 45 in patients with autism compared to age- and hemisphere-matched controls. Based on previous evidence in the fusiform gyrus, we expected to find a decrease in the number and size of pyramidal neurons as well as an increase in volume of layers III, V, and VI in patients with autism. We observed significantly smaller pyramidal neurons in patients with autism compared to controls, although there was no difference in pyramidal neuron numbers or layer volumes. The reduced pyramidal neuron size suggests that a certain degree of dysfunction of areas 44 and 45 plays a role in the pathology of autism. Our results also support previous studies that have shown specific cellular neuropathology in autism with regionally specific reduction in neuron size, and provide further evidence for the possible involvement of the mirror neuron system, as well as impairment of neuronal networks relevant to communication and social behaviors, in this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jacot-Descombes
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1065, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Bloy L, Ingalhalikar M, Batmanghelich NK, Schultz RT, Roberts TPL, Verma R. An integrated framework for high angular resolution diffusion imaging-based investigation of structural connectivity. Brain Connect 2012; 2:69-79. [PMID: 22500705 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2011.0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural connectivity models hold great promise for expanding what is known about the ways information travels throughout the brain. The physiologic interpretability of structural connectivity models depends heavily on how the connections between regions are quantified. This article presents an integrated structural connectivity framework designed around such an interpretation. The framework provides three measures to characterize the structural connectivity of a subject: (1) the structural connectivity matrix describing the proportion of connections between pairs of nodes, (2) the nodal connection distribution (nCD) characterizing the proportion of connections that terminate in each node, and (3) the connection density image, which presents the density of connections as they traverse through white matter (WM). Individually, each possesses different information concerning the structural connectivity of the individual and could potentially be useful for a variety of tasks, ranging from characterizing and localizing group differences to identifying novel parcellations of the cortex. The efficiency of the proposed framework allows the determination of large structural connectivity networks, consisting of many small nodal regions, providing a more detailed description of a subject's connectivity. The nCD provides a gray matter contrast that can potentially aid in investigating local cytoarchitecture and connectivity. Similarly, the connection density images offer insight into the WM pathways, potentially identifying focal differences that affect a number of pathways. The reliability of these measures was established through a test/retest paradigm performed on nine subjects, while the utility of the method was evaluated through its applications to 20 diffusion datasets acquired from typically developing adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Bloy
- Section of Biomedical Image Analysis, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Qiu S, Aldinger KA, Levitt P. Modeling of autism genetic variations in mice: focusing on synaptic and microcircuit dysfunctions. Dev Neurosci 2012; 34:88-100. [PMID: 22572629 DOI: 10.1159/000336644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 12/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders that are characterized by deficits in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and restrictive interests and repetitive behaviors. While human genetic studies have revealed marked heritability in ASD, it has been challenging to translate this genetic risk into a biological mechanism that influences brain development relevant to the disorder phenotypes. This is partly due to the complex genetic architecture of ASD, which involves de novo gene mutations, genomic abnormalities, and common genetic variants. Rather than trying to reconstitute the clinical disorder, using genetic model animals to examine specific features of core ASD pathophysiology offers unique opportunities for refining our understanding of neurodevelopmental mechanisms in ASD. A variety of ASD-relevant phenotypes can now be investigated in rodents, including stereotyped and repetitive behaviors, and deficits in social interaction and communication. In this review, we focus on several prevailing mouse models and discuss how studies have advanced our understanding of synaptic mechanisms that may underlie ASD pathophysiology. Although synaptic perturbations are not the only alterations relevant for ASD, we reason that understanding the synaptic underpinnings of ASD using mouse models may provide mechanistic insights into its etiology and lead to novel therapeutic and interventional strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenfeng Qiu
- Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif., USA
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Sokhadze EM, Baruth JM, Sears L, Sokhadze GE, El-Baz AS, Williams E, Klapheke R, Casanova MF. EVENT-RELATED POTENTIAL STUDY OF ATTENTION REGULATION DURING ILLUSORY FIGURE CATEGORIZATION TASK IN ADHD, AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER, AND TYPICAL CHILDREN. JOURNAL OF NEUROTHERAPY 2012; 16:12-31. [PMID: 23329879 PMCID: PMC3544080 DOI: 10.1080/10874208.2012.650119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are very common developmental disorders which share some similar symptoms of social, emotional, and attentional deficits. This study is aimed to help understand the differences and similarities of these deficits using analysis of dense-array event-related potentials (ERP) during an illusory figure recognition task. Although ADHD and ASD seem very distinct, they have been shown to share some similarities in their symptoms. Our hypothesis was that children with ASD will show less pronounced differences in ERP responses to target and non-target stimuli as compared to typical children, and to a lesser extent, ADHD. Participants were children with ASD (N=16), ADHD (N=16), and controls (N=16). EEG was collected using a 128 channel EEG system. The task involved the recognition of a specific illusory shape, in this case a square or triangle, created by three or four inducer disks. There were no between group differences in reaction time (RT) to target stimuli, but both ASD and ADHD committed more errors, specifically the ASD group had statistically higher commission error rate than controls. Post-error RT in ASD group was exhibited in a post-error speeding rather than corrective RT slowing typical for the controls. The ASD group also demonstrated an attenuated error-related negativity (ERN) as compared to ADHD and controls. The fronto-central P200, N200, and P300 were enhanced and less differentiated in response to target and non-target figures in the ASD group. The same ERP components were marked by more prolonged latencies in the ADHD group as compared to both ASD and typical controls. The findings are interpreted according to the "minicolumnar" hypothesis proposing existence of neuropathological differences in ASD and ADHD, specifically minicolumnar number/width morphometry spectrum differences. In autism, a model of local hyperconnectivity and long-range hypoconnectivity explains many of the behavioral and cognitive deficits present in the condition, while the inverse arrangement of local hypoconnectivity and long-range hyperconnectivity in ADHD explains some deficits typical for this disorder. The current ERP study supports the proposed suggestion that some between group differences could be manifested in the frontal ERP indices of executive functions during performance on an illusory figure categorization task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estate M Sokhadze
- Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY ; Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
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Catarino CB, Liu JYW, Liagkouras I, Gibbons VS, Labrum RW, Ellis R, Woodward C, Davis MB, Smith SJ, Cross JH, Appleton RE, Yendle SC, McMahon JM, Bellows ST, Jacques TS, Zuberi SM, Koepp MJ, Martinian L, Scheffer IE, Thom M, Sisodiya SM. Dravet syndrome as epileptic encephalopathy: evidence from long-term course and neuropathology. Brain 2011; 134:2982-3010. [PMID: 21719429 PMCID: PMC3187538 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awr129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is an epilepsy syndrome of infantile onset, frequently caused by SCN1A mutations or deletions. Its prevalence, long-term evolution in adults and neuropathology are not well known. We identified a series of 22 adult patients, including three adult post-mortem cases with Dravet syndrome. For all patients, we reviewed the clinical history, seizure types and frequency, antiepileptic drugs, cognitive, social and functional outcome and results of investigations. A systematic neuropathology study was performed, with post-mortem material from three adult cases with Dravet syndrome, in comparison with controls and a range of relevant paediatric tissue. Twenty-two adults with Dravet syndrome, 10 female, were included, median age 39 years (range 20-66). SCN1A structural variation was found in 60% of the adult Dravet patients tested, including one post-mortem case with DNA extracted from brain tissue. Novel mutations were described for 11 adult patients; one patient had three SCN1A mutations. Features of Dravet syndrome in adulthood include multiple seizure types despite polytherapy, and age-dependent evolution in seizure semiology and electroencephalographic pattern. Fever sensitivity persisted through adulthood in 11 cases. Neurological decline occurred in adulthood with cognitive and motor deterioration. Dysphagia may develop in or after the fourth decade of life, leading to significant morbidity, or death. The correct diagnosis at an older age made an impact at several levels. Treatment changes improved seizure control even after years of drug resistance in all three cases with sufficient follow-up after drug changes were instituted; better control led to significant improvement in cognitive performance and quality of life in adulthood in two cases. There was no histopathological hallmark feature of Dravet syndrome in this series. Strikingly, there was remarkable preservation of neurons and interneurons in the neocortex and hippocampi of Dravet adult post-mortem cases. Our study provides evidence that Dravet syndrome is at least in part an epileptic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia B Catarino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCL, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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A new synaptic player leading to autism risk: Met receptor tyrosine kinase. J Neurodev Disord 2011; 3:282-92. [PMID: 21509596 PMCID: PMC3261279 DOI: 10.1007/s11689-011-9081-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 03/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The validity for assigning disorder risk to an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) candidate gene comes from convergent genetic, clinical, and developmental neurobiology data. Here, we review these lines of evidence from multiple human genetic studies, and non-human primate and mouse experiments that support the conclusion that the MET receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) functions to influence synapse development in circuits relevant to certain core behavioral domains of ASD. There is association of both common functional alleles and rare copy number variants that impact levels of MET expression in the human cortex. The timing of Met expression is linked to axon terminal outgrowth and synaptogenesis in the developing rodent and primate forebrain, and both in vitro and in vivo studies implicate this RTK in dendritic branching, spine maturation, and excitatory connectivity in the neocortex. This impact can occur in a cell-nonautonomous fashion, emphasizing the unique role that Met plays in specific circuits relevant to ASD.
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