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Hyperserotoninemia and Altered Immunity in Autism

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Abstract

One of the most consistent biological findings in autism is elevated whole blood serotonin (5-HT) levels found in about 1/3 of cases. Immune abnormalities are also commonly observed in this disorder. Given 5-HT’s role as an immunomodulator, possible connections between 5-HT and immune abnormalities in autism are explored in this review. Areas of focus include hyperserotoninemia and cellular immune function, autoantibodies to 5-HT receptors, and 5-HT’s role in autoimmunity. Further research is needed to determine the interactions between neuropsychiatric and immune dysfunction in autism and related disorders.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, 3R330 SOM, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132-2305, USA

    Nancy K. Burgess, Thayne L. Sweeten & Robert S. Fujinami

  2. Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, 5R110 SOM, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA

    William M. McMahon

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  1. Nancy K. Burgess
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  2. Thayne L. Sweeten
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  3. William M. McMahon
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  4. Robert S. Fujinami
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Correspondence to Robert S. Fujinami.

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Burgess, N.K., Sweeten, T.L., McMahon, W.M. et al. Hyperserotoninemia and Altered Immunity in Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 36, 697–704 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0100-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0100-7

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