Biological basis of infantile autism. I. Genetic, neuroimmunological and neurochemical aspects

Author(s): Espert, R.

Journal/Book: Psicologia Conductual. 1998; 6: Apartado Postal 3061, 18080 Granada, Spain. Asociacion Espanola Psicologia Conductual. 363-389.

Abstract: In the first part of this review paper on biological basis of infantile autism we describe the main genetic, neuroimmunological and neurochemical investigations carried out in this pathology. Twin and segregation analysis studies indicate that genetic factors may play a relevant role in the etiology of autism. However, although genetic factors are clearly involved, environmental variables must be also important. In fact, concordance rates for autism in monozigotic twins are not of 100%. Investigations related to autoimmunity hipothesis can be grouped into three broad categories. The first includes studies on the cellular elements of the immune system (T-cells and NK cells). The second group concerns studies on the humoral elements of the immune system. The third category focuses on maternal-fetal tolerance and immunoreactivity studies. Likewise, in this context a viral hipothesis has been proposed to explain some cases of infantile autism. Thus, autism has been etiologically linked to numerous prenatal infections, including rubella, cytomegalovirus, varicella zoster, herpes simplex and toxoplasmosis. On the other hand, although results are still inconclusive, a serotonergic dysfunction has been described in numerous patients with autism. Furthermore, a functional imbalance between monoamines has been suggested in this pathology. Endogenous opioids peptides have been also involved in the pathogenesis of autism. According with this hipothesis, the hyperfunction of the endogenous opioid system could explain the majority of the symptoms associated with autism.

Note: Review Navarro JF, Univ Malaga, Fac Psicol, Area Psicobiol, Campus Teatinos, E-29071 Malaga, SPAIN

Keyword(s): autism; genetics; immune system; neurotransmitters; serotonin; opioids; PLASMA BETA-ENDORPHIN; FRAGILE-X SYNDROME; TUBEROUS SCLEROSIS; MENTAL-RETARDATION; NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS; CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID; PLATELET SEROTONIN; MULTIPLEX FAMILIES; MOLECULAR ANALYSIS; HOMOVANILLIC-ACID

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