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Researchers at Florida Atlantic University (FA) have discovered a new pathway in the brain linked to behavioral symptoms of autism and a drug that may prevent them. Autism frequently comes with physiological problems for the gut.
Presently, there are no treatments for autism in adults, but the team discovered a drug for treating the behavioral ‘disruptions’ in mice genetically engineered to have autism, suggesting it might do the same for people on the spectrum.
Autism’s causes are not known, experts suspect it is in part genetic, and in part due to environmental factors. Early behavioral therapy, antipsychotic drugs and occasional antidepressant can treat some symptoms. Serotonin plays an important role in social functioning, which makes it a suspect in autism.
Researchers tested MW150 in mice that they had genetically engineered to have the genetic mutation and behaviors similar to those of autistic humans. Within one week, it removed social behavior changes.