title: Is autism a G-alpha protein defect reversible with natural vitamin A?
abstract: Autism may be a disorder linked to the disruption of the G-alpha protein, affecting retinoid receptors in the brain. A study of 60 autistic children suggests that autism may be caused by inserting a G-alpha protein defect, the pertussis toxin found in the DPT vaccine, into genetically at-risk children. This toxin separates the G-alpha protein from retinoid receptors. Those most at risk report a family history of at least one parent with a pre-existing G-alpha protein defect, including night blindness, pseudohypoparathyroidism or adenoma of the thyroid or pituitary gland. Natural vitamin A may reconnect the retinoid receptors critical for vision, sensory perception, language processing and attention. Autism spectrum disorders have increased from 1 in 10 000 in 1978 to 1 in 300 in some US communities in 1999. Recent evidence indicates that autism is a disorder of the nervous system and the immune system, affecting multiple metabolic pathways.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric and Adolescent Ability Center, Richmond, VA 23226, USA.
authors.forename: M N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Megson
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics*; D002648:Child; D002794:Choline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D018168:Receptors, Retinoic Acid / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D018168:Receptors, Retinoic Acid; D014801:Vitamin A; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins; D002794:Choline