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D-Cycloserine: Definition

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Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Synonyms

Seromycin

Definition

D-cycloserine is a partial glycineBsite agonist that binds to the strychnine-insensitive glycine binding site on the NMDA receptor, agonizing the NMDA receptor, a glutamate receptor subtype. The NMDA receptor functions in synaptic plasticity. Alterations in synaptic plasticity are believed to be at the crux of ASD pathogenesis. D-cycloserine has been shown to partially reverse social deficits in mouse models of autism. Similar benefits have been shown in human subjects as well, but further validation is still required. Because of its actions on the NMDA receptor, D-cycloserine is heavily studied in processes of fear conditioning and extinction as well as schizophrenia. In many of these studies, it is used in conjunction with behavioral therapy to allow greater control over any ensuing alterations in synaptic plasticity. Currently, D-cycloserine is only approved for the treatment of tuberculosis. Side effects include headache, drowsiness, dizziness, or...

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References and Reading

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Autism Program, Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, 06511, New Haven, CT, USA

    Karthikeyan Ardhanareeswaran

  2. Program in Neurodevelopment and Regeneration, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA

    Karthikeyan Ardhanareeswaran

  3. Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA

    Karthikeyan Ardhanareeswaran

Authors
  1. Karthikeyan Ardhanareeswaran
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Correspondence to Karthikeyan Ardhanareeswaran .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

    Fred R. Volkmar

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Ardhanareeswaran, K. (2015). D-Cycloserine: Definition. In: Volkmar, F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102067-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102067-1

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  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-6435-8

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