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Published in:

01-03-2009

Expression of GABA_B Receptors Is Altered in Brains of Subjects with Autism

Authors: S. Hossein Fatemi, Timothy D. Folsom, Teri J. Reutiman, Paul D. Thuras

Published in: The Cerebellum | Issue 1/2009

Abstract

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is often comorbid with seizures. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in brain. GABA_B receptors play an important role in maintaining excitatory–inhibitory balance in brain and alterations may lead to seizures. We compared levels of GABA_B receptor subunits GABA_B receptor 1 (GABBR1) and GABA_B receptor 2 (GABBR2) in cerebellum, Brodmann’s area 9 (BA9), and BA40 of subjects with autism and matched controls. Levels of GABBR1 were significantly decreased in BA9, BA40, and cerebellum, while GABBR2 was significantly reduced in the cerebellum. The presence of seizure disorder did not have a significant impact on the observed reductions in GABA_B receptor subunit expression. Decreases in GABA_B receptor subunits may help explain the presence of seizures that are often comorbid with autism, as well as cognitive difficulties prevalent in autism.

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Title: Expression of GABAB Receptors Is Altered in Brains of Subjects with Autism
Authors: S. Hossein Fatemi
Timothy D. Folsom
Teri J. Reutiman
Paul D. Thuras
Publication date: 01-03-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: The Cerebellum / Issue 1/2009
Print ISSN: 1473-4222
Electronic ISSN: 1473-4230
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12311-008-0075-3

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Expression of GABA_B Receptors Is Altered in Brains of Subjects with Autism

Abstract

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