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Novel Therapeutic Targets for Autism

TitleNovel Therapeutic Targets for Autism
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsTheoharides TC, Doyle R, Francis K, Conti P, Kalogeromitros D
Journal TitleTrends in Pharmacological Sciences
Year of Publication2008
Volume29
Issue8
Pages375-382
URL for Abstracthttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18606459?ordinalpos=4&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
Full Text

Some drugs that stop the allergic response of the immune system may be able to help with the symptoms of autism.

This article presents the authors' view that autism is caused by problems in the immune cells of the gut and brain. The authors suggest that mast cells in the body release chemicals that affect gut and brain function. They further suggest that certain supplements (antioxidants) and drugs that block mast cells may be able to help people with autism. One such drug is cyproheptadine, which blocks histamine, which is released from mast cells, and blocks the brain chemical serotonin. Cromolyn is another drug that seems to be able to stop mast cells and may help with some of the symptoms of autism. The authors also propose the therapeutic use of SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine), which is an antioxidantsupplement.


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