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The Molecular Basis of Autism pp 383–392Cite as

Neurotrophins, Their Receptors and Autism: Ligand vs. Receptor Abnormalities

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Part of the book series: Contemporary Clinical Neuroscience ((CCNE))

Abstract

The role of the neurotrophins in supporting brain growth, development and maintenance is increasingly recognized in health and disease. On the other hand, the role of their receptors is just unfolding, as is, the hypothesis of the ligand-receptor homeostasis. Many toxins, toxicants, and infectious agents affect both the ligands and their receptors, disrupting this homeostasis and affecting many developmental processes. Accumulating evidence points to the abnormalities in both the neurotrophins and their receptors in autism. This chapter highlights some of the recent findings regarding neurotrophin/receptor abnormalities in autism

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and Brigham Womens Hospital, 02115, Boston, MA, USA

    Elizabeth M. Sajdel-Sulkowska D.Sc.

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  1. Elizabeth M. Sajdel-Sulkowska D.Sc.
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Correspondence to Elizabeth M. Sajdel-Sulkowska D.Sc. .

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  1. Neuroscience and Pharmacology MMC 392, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

    S. Hossein Fatemi

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Sajdel-Sulkowska, E. (2015). Neurotrophins, Their Receptors and Autism: Ligand vs. Receptor Abnormalities. In: Fatemi, S. (eds) The Molecular Basis of Autism. Contemporary Clinical Neuroscience. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2190-4_18

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