About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Targeting Components of Endocannabinoid Signaling System may Reverse Autism Symptoms

by Bidita Debnath on April 15, 2013 at 10:45 PM
Font : A-A+

 Targeting Components of Endocannabinoid Signaling System may Reverse Autism Symptoms

In individuals with autism, mutations block the action of molecules made by the brain that act on the same receptors that marijuana's active chemical acts on.

This is according to new research reported online April 11 in the Cell Press journal Neuron. The findings implicate specific molecules, called endocannabinoids, in the development of some autism cases and point to potential treatment strategies.

Advertisement

"Endocannabinoids are molecules that are critical regulators of normal neuronal activity and are important for many brain functions," says first author Dr. Csaba Földy, of Stanford University Medical School. "By conducting studies in mice, we found that neuroligin-3, a protein that is mutated in some individuals with autism, is important for relaying endocannabinoid signals that tone down communication between neurons."

When the researchers introduced different autism-associated mutations in neuroligin-3 into mice, this signaling was blocked and the overall excitability of the brain was changed.
Advertisement

"These findings point out an unexpected link between a protein implicated in autism and a signaling system that previously had not been considered to be particularly important for autism," says senior author Dr. Thomas Südhof, also of Stanford. "Thus, the findings open up a new area of research and may suggest novel strategies for understanding the underlying causes of complex brain disorders."

The results also indicate that targeting components of the endocannabinoid signaling system may help reverse autism symptoms.

The study's findings resulted from a research collaboration between the Stanford laboratories of Dr. Südhof and Dr. Robert Malenka, who is also an author on the paper.

Source: Eurekalert
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Reading

Latest Research News

Softening Stem Cells Enhances Hair Growth Potential
The scientists discovered that when the stem cells in the hair follicle are made softer, they have a higher chance of growing hair.
Potential New Strategy for Ischemic Stroke Discovered
A combinatorial therapy provided promising beneficial results among people with ischemic stroke.
Is Speech Therapy the Answer to Voice Problems in Parkinson's Disease Patients
In Parkinson's disease patients voice disorders are quite common. A new combination therapy had greater effects on the voice.
 New Insights into How the Immune System Responds to Spinal-Cord Injuries
New study findings delineate how aging affects the immune response following Spinal cord injury (SCI) and highlight the participation of the spinal cord meninges in repair.
Nearsightedness: Atropine Eye Drops may Slow Progression in Kids
A recent clinical trial suggests that the first medication therapy to reduce the progression of nearsightedness in children could be on the way.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Targeting Components of Endocannabinoid Signaling System may Reverse Autism Symptoms Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests