title: Neuro-inflammation, blood-brain barrier, seizures and autism.
abstract: Many children with Autism Spectrum Diseases (ASD) present with seizure activity, but the pathogenesis is not understood. Recent evidence indicates that neuro-inflammation could contribute to seizures. We hypothesize that brain mast cell activation due to allergic, environmental and/or stress triggers could lead to focal disruption of the blood-brain barrier and neuro-inflammation, thus contributing to the development of seizures. Treating neuro-inflammation may be useful when anti-seizure medications are ineffective.
authors: Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Molecular Physiology and Pharmacology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, USA. theoharis.theoharides@tufts.edu
authors: Theoharis C
authors: TC
authors: Theoharides
authors: Bodi
authors: B
authors: Zhang
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier / Q000473:pathology*; D001921:Brain / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012640:Seizures / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology