Symptoms of Autism and Mental Retardation Reversed in Research Lab

Researchers in the United States created mice that had Fragile X syndrome, a disorder that sometimes causes mental retardation and autism. The effects Fragile X can range from very mild and common learning disabilities to very severe autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). In the afore mentioned mice, the symptoms of retardation and autism were then reversed by inhibiting the action of a certain enzyme in the brain.

The study was conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory. The researchers focused on a particular enzyme that controls how brain cells connect and communicate. They found that when they inhibited the enzyme and it's power, they were able to prevent the problematic behavior, such as hyperactivity, repetitive movements, and seemingly purposeless actions. Further study indicated that not only were the researchers able to inhibit the enzyme from causing the wrong behaviors, they were able to restore correct activity to cells that had been long affected by Fragile X.

Individuals who are affected by Fragile X have more spiny receptacles on the ends of their brain cells than a regularly functioning individual. But, these receptacles are weaker than they should be. This causes weaker transmission of brain waves. Blocking the enzyme at hand corrects the abnormalities that cause the symptoms of autism and retardation.

Dr. Susumu Tonegawa, one of the leading researchers in this study, made clear that the mice were not treated until weeks after the Fragile X syndrome was introduced into their bodies. The significance of that fact is this: "This implies that future treatment may still be effective even after symptoms are already pronounced," he said.

The promise is that it could be quite possible to use this new information to help children who are already deeply affected by the Fragile X syndrome and the varying symptoms it can bring.

Research and education is the key to understanding and preventing the varying degrees and aspects of Fragile X syndrome, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Mental Retardation and many other disorders affecting our children.

Please contact your state senators and representatives and ask them to support the Combating Autism Act that is about to be before them.