Treatment of autism spectrum disorders: neurotransmitter signaling pathways involved in motivation and reward as therapeutic targets

Abstract

Background: There is a growing body of literature describing the etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Some of the targets suggested belong to neurochemical transmitter pathways implicated in the behavior and motivation reward pathway. Objective: To examine data linking potential targets to ASD and the feasibility of developing drugs targeting these pathways. While the inhibitors are mostly being developed for other indications, it is beneficial to examine them to determine the responsiveness of the targets to small-molecule modulation. Methods: A search in Medline and Scifinder^® for articles concerning relevant targets in the context of ASD and their relation to the reward signaling pathway. Results: There is evidence suggesting that behaviors controlled by these targets are related to behaviors exhibited by individuals with ASD. The targets appear to be involved in neurotransmitter pathways controlling motivation and reward, further implicating this system in ASD. Sufficient research has been conducted to identify lead compounds for discovering agents for treatment of ASD.

Keywords::

• acetylcholine
• Asperger
• dopamine
• γ-aminobutyric acid
• nicotinic acid
• oxytocin
• Rett
• vasopressin