Autism and Folate Deficiency
Abstract
Perturbed folate levels are a possible risk factor for autism: alterations in methionine metabolism in autistic patients may be due to a functional folate deficiency, and folate receptor autoimmunity has been linked to cerebral folate deficiency and autism. Supplemental folate has proven to be an effective treatment in these individuals. Mouse models of altered intracellular folate transport and metabolism exist (Folr1, Folr2, Mthfr, and PCFT1). We hypothesized that folate deficiency secondary to genetic manipulation will cause both decreased CSF 5MTHF and altered (autistic-like) behavioral phenotypes in mice, and that supplemental folate will remediate the phenotypes. Folr2 nulls display a deficiency in nest building that is ameliorated by folate supplementation. Pcft1 hets displayed significantly increased dominance behaviors in the tube test; this tendency was not ameliorated by folate supplementation. Ablation of genes in the folate pathway may result in abnormal adult behavior. This utility of folate in restoring normal behavior differs in a consistent pattern based on the exact point at which the folate pathway is disrupted.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA538393
Entities
People
- Richard H. Finnell
Organizations
- Texas A&M University