Research Links Autism to Brain Structure
Cells in Amygdala Implicated, According to Autism Speaks-funded Research
Cells in Amygdala Implicated, According to Autism Speaks-funded Research
For years, researchers have been examining the relationship between the size of the brain structure known as the amygdala and autism-specific behaviors, and have also been working to understand how it this brain structure is activated under different social situations. However, the neurobiological cause of the difference in size and responsiveness of this brain structure is largely unknown.
A new study published by Autism Speaks-funded researcher David Amaral in the July 19, 2006 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience addressed this challenge by studying post-mortem tissue provided by the Autism Tissue Program, an Autism Speaks-supported program. He and his colleague, Dr. Cynthia Schumann at the MIND Institute at UC Davis, reported a change in the number of neurons in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala of men diagnosed with autism. This suggests that a change in cell number in this region may contribute to deficits in behaviors regulated by the amygdala, including processing of emotions and fear.
To read more about this study, click here.
A new study published by Autism Speaks-funded researcher David Amaral in the July 19, 2006 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience addressed this challenge by studying post-mortem tissue provided by the Autism Tissue Program, an Autism Speaks-supported program. He and his colleague, Dr. Cynthia Schumann at the MIND Institute at UC Davis, reported a change in the number of neurons in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala of men diagnosed with autism. This suggests that a change in cell number in this region may contribute to deficits in behaviors regulated by the amygdala, including processing of emotions and fear.
To read more about this study, click here.
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