title: Measuring neural excitation and inhibition in autism: Different approaches, different findings and different interpretations.
abstract: The balance of neural excitation and inhibition (E/I balance) is often hypothesised to be altered in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One widely held view is that excitation levels are elevated relative to inhibition in ASD. Understanding whether, and how, E/I balance may be altered in ASD is important given the recent interest in trialling pharmacological interventions for ASD which target inhibitory neurotransmitter function. Here we provide a critical review of evidence for E/I balance in ASD. We conclude that data from a number of domains provides support for alteration in excitation and inhibitory neurotransmission in ASD, but when considered collectively, the available literature provide little evidence to support claims for either a net increase in excitation or a net increase in inhibition. Strengths and limitations of available techniques are considered, and directions for future research discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TP, UK. Electronic address: abbydickinson317@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Abigail
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dickinson
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TP, UK.
authors.forename: Myles
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TP, UK. Electronic address: e.milne@sheffield.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Milne
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D065818:Gamma Rhythm; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D005973:Glutamine / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D015225:Magnetoencephalography; D009433:Neural Inhibition; D055815:Young Adult; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D005973:Glutamine; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
keywords: Autism; Excitation/inhibition; GABA; Glutamate