Autism symptoms reversed in lab

[Iggy Dalrymple]

Lab mice were bred to show symptoms of Fragile X Syndrome Symptoms of mental retardation and autism have been reversed for the first time in laboratory mice.

They found that inhibiting the enzyme stopped mice with Fragile X Syndrome behaving in erratic ways. Prior to treatment they showed signs of hyperactivity, purposeless and repetitive movements.

Abnormalities corrected

Further analysis showed that not only were structural abnormalities in connections between brain cells righted, proper electrical communication was restored between the cells.

In the brain small protrusions called dendritic spines are responsible for communication between cells.

People with Fragile X Syndrome have more dendritic spines than usual, but each is longer and thinner, and transmits weaker electric signals.

Blocking PAK activity in the lab mice corrected these abnormalities.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6245742.stm

[scorpiotiger]

Iggy, I think this is a particular condition that seems to also have autism associated with it. but, I don't think that all autistic children have this Fragile X syndrome.

However, it is a great discovery for those people that do have this genetic abnormality.