Over the past several decades the incidence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has increased dramatically. The etiology of ASD remains an unsolved puzzle to scientists, physicians, pediatricians, psychiatrists, and pharmacologists. Our E-book will address what is presently known concerning the pathophysiology of ASD from a cellular and molecular perspective. Our explanation is based on the interaction between repetitive systemic immune stimulation with concomitant chronic brain activation of microglia, which leads to overstimulation of glutamate receptors and inflammatory cytokine receptors. Our E-book will explain, for the first time, the effects of immunoexcitotoxicity on the brain development, neurophysiology, and pathology. Our book will not only attempt to explain the finding in ASD, but will offer treatment proposals that address each of these mechanisms. It will also explain how previous, often successful treatment methods, may indeed operate through the immunoexcitotoxic mechanism.
Table of Contents
Foreword iPreface ii
List of Contributors iii
CHAPTERS
1. Autism Spectrum Disorders: Clinical Aspects 1
I. Paclt, A. Strunecka
2. The Cerebellum in ASD 17
R. L. Blaylock
3. Dysregulation of Glutamatergic Neurotransmission in ASD 32
A. Strunecka
4. Immunoexcitotoxicity as a Central Mechanism of ASD 47
R. L. Blaylock
5. Immune Dysfunction in ASD 73
R. L. Blaylock
6. Gastrointestinal Disorders and ASD: A Causal Link or a Secondary Consequence? 82
A. Strunecka
7. Biochemical Changes in ASD 100
A. Strunecka
8. Searching the Role of Mercury in ASD 121
A. Strunecka, R. L. Blaylock
9. Fluoride and Aluminum: Possible Risk Factors in Etiopathogenesis of ASD 148
A. Strunecka, R. L. Blaylock
10. The Role of Melatonin in Etiopathogenesis and Therapy of ASD 162
A. Strunecka
11. The Search for Plausible Role of Oxytocin in Etiology and Therapy of ASD 173
A. Strunecka
12. Regulation of Cortisol Levels in Autistic Individuals and their Mothers 186
A. Strunecka
13. Reproductive Hormones and ASD 199
R. L. Blaylock
14. Addendum. Autism: Is It All in the Head? 206
M. A. Hyman
Index 217
