Keywords
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
Synonyms
Definition
D-cycloserine is a partial glycineB site 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 shaking.
See Also
References and Reading
Deutsch, S. I., Burket, J. A., Jacome, L. F., Cannon, W. R., & Herndon, A. L. (2011). D-cycloserine improves the impaired sociability of the Balb/c mouse. Brain Research Bulletin, 84(1), 8–11.
Jacome, L. F., Burket, J. A., Herndon, A. L., & Deutsch, S. I. (2011). D-cycloserine enhances social exploration in the Balb/c mouse. Brain Research Bulletin, 85(3), 141–144.
Modi, M. E., & Young, L. J. (2011). D-cycloserine facilitates socially reinforced learning in an animal model relevant to autism spectrum disorders. Biological Psychiatry, 70(3), 298–304.
Posey, D. J., Kem, D. L., Swiezy, N. B., Sweeten, T. L., Wiegand, R. E., & McDougle, C. J. (2004). A pilot study of D-cycloserine in subjects with autistic disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 161(11), 2115–2117.
Won, H., Lee, H. R., Gee, H. Y., Mah, W., Kim, J. I., Lee, J., … & Kim, E. (2012). Autistic-like social behaviour in Shank2-mutant mice improved by restoring NMDA receptor function. Nature, 486(7402), 261–265.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2015 Springer Science+Business Media New York
About this entry
Cite this entry
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
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102067-1
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-6435-8
eBook Packages: Springer Reference Behavioral Science and PsychologyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences