Treatment of autism spectrum disorders: neurotransmitter signaling pathways involved in motivation and reward as therapeutic targets.
BACKGROUND
There is a growing body of literature describing the etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Some of the targets suggested belong to neurochemical transmitter pathways implicated in the behavior and motivation reward pathway.


OBJECTIVE
To examine data linking potential targets to ASD and the feasibility of developing drugs targeting these pathways. While the inhibitors are mostly being developed for other indications, it is beneficial to examine them to determine the responsiveness of the targets to small-molecule modulation.


METHODS
A search in Medline and Scifinder for articles concerning relevant targets in the context of ASD and their relation to the reward signaling pathway.


RESULTS
There is evidence suggesting that behaviors controlled by these targets are related to behaviors exhibited by individuals with ASD. The targets appear to be involved in neurotransmitter pathways controlling motivation and reward, further implicating this system in ASD. Sufficient research has been conducted to identify lead compounds for discovering agents for treatment of ASD.
Walker
Michael A
MA
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Development, Wallingford, CT, USA. michael.a.walker@bms.com
D000818:Animals; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000145:classification / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012201:Reward; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects*
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents