title: Neurochemistry in the pathophysiology of autism.
abstract: Significant progress has been made in the search for underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms in autism over the past 50 years. The cause of the disorder, however, remains largely unknown. This article reviews neurochemical contributions to the pathophysiology of autism with a focus on monoamines, glutamate/gamma-aminobutyric acid systems, and neuropeptides. As these efforts move forward, it will be important to begin to integrate genetic studies with those involving neuroimaging and postmortem research in each of these 3 areas, as well as with pharmacologic treatment approaches.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202-4800, USA. cmcdougl@iupui.edu
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: McDougle
authors.forename: Craig A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Erickson
authors.forename: Kimberly A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Stigler
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Posey
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015306:Biogenic Monoamines / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005971:Glutamates / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008297:Male; D009448:Neurochemistry; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D015306:Biogenic Monoamines; D005971:Glutamates; D009479:Neuropeptides; D012701:Serotonin; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid