Cited by 23Autism Spectrum Disorder ResearchSexual Differentiation and DisordersNeuroendocrine regulation and behavior

Endocrine insights into the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder

Wilson, Hayley A., Creighton, Carolyn, Scharfman, Helen, Choleris, Elena, MacLusky, Neil J.·2021·The Neuroscientist

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a class of neurodevelopmental disorders that affects males more frequently than females. Numerous genetic and environmental risk factors have been suggested to contribute to the development of ASD. However, no one factor can adequately explain either the frequency of the disorder or the male bias in its prevalence. Gonadal, thyroid, and glucocorticoid hormones all contribute to normal development of the brain, hence perturbations in either their patterns of secretion or their actions may constitute risk factors for ASD. Environmental factors may contribute to ASD etiology by influencing the development of neuroendocrine and neuroimmune systems during early life. Emerging evidence suggests that the placenta may be particularly important as a mediator of the actions of environmental and endocrine risk factors on the developing brain, with the male being particularly sensitive to these effects. Understanding how various risk factors integrate to influence neural development may facilitate a clearer understanding of the etiology of ASD.

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Crossref · 10.1177/1073858420952046

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174 of 174 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Authors
Wilson, H. A., Creighton, C., Scharfman, H., Choleris, E., & MacLusky, N. J.
Affiliations
  • University of Guelph (CA)
  • Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research (US)
Corresponding author
MacLusky, Neil J.
Venue
The Neuroscientist
Published
2020-09-11
Volume
27
Issue
6
Pages
650-667
ISSN
  • 1073-8584 (ISSN-L)
  • 1089-4098
OpenAlex
W3086336832
Cited by
23
References
174
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 4
FWCI
2.15
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • The Neuroscientist (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (RGPIN-2018-04699, RGPIN-2020-04537)
  • National Institutes of Health (NS37562)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Sexual Differentiation and Disorders
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
Keywords
autism spectrum disorder, sex differences, gonadal hormones, thyroid hormones, glucocorticoids, neuroendocrine development, placenta, environmental risk factors, brain development, ASD etiology
MeSH terms
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Brain, Female, Humans, Male, Pregnancy, Risk Factors, Neurogenesis, Neurodevelopmental Disorders

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