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Are There Enhanced MBP Autoantibodies in Autism?

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Abstract

Autoantibodies to central nervous system antigens, such as myelin basic protein (MBP), may play a role in autism. We measured autoantibody titers to MBP in children with autism, both classic onset and regressive onset forms, controls (healthy age- and gender-matched) and individuals with Tourette syndrome via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. We found a significant difference in autoantibody titers to MBP, not accounted for by age or medication, between Tourette and classic autism (both significantly lower) when compared to regressive autism, but not when compared to controls. Autoantibody responses against MBP are unlikely to play a pathogenic role in autism.

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Acknowledgments

We wish to acknowledge Nancy K. Burgess, BS, M. Michal Peterson, BS, Sarah E. Doyle, BS, Benjamin J. Marble and Lincoln A. Hunt, BS, for excellent technical assistance, Ikuo Tsunoda, MD PhD, for many helpful discussions and Kathleen Borick for the outstanding preparation of the manuscript. This work was supported by NIH U19 HD/DC35476, which is part of the NICHD/NIDCD Collaborative Programs for Excellence in Autism.

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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

    Jane E. Libbey, Nikki J. Kirkman, Thayne L. Sweeten, Edward K. Stevenson & Robert S. Fujinami

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

    Hilary H. Coon, Judith N. Miller, Janet E. Lainhart & William M. McMahon

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  1. Jane E. Libbey
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Correspondence to Robert S. Fujinami.

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Libbey, J.E., Coon, H.H., Kirkman, N.J. et al. Are There Enhanced MBP Autoantibodies in Autism?. J Autism Dev Disord 38, 324–332 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-007-0400-6

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