Autism opioids

The use of structurally rigid DKPs as bioactive models for opioid receptor antagonists has been proposed. These compounds are used in the elucidation of the binding requirements and will lead to the design of highly selective molecules with potential clinical application for diseases of the opioid system. These include the treatment of autism, alcohol dependency, and modulation of immunity Further studies by Baures has... 

The peptide, melatonin, has been implicated in autism. Excess melatonin is thought to decrease learning, memory, attention, emotionality, motivation and pain responses (reviewed Chamberlain Herman, 1990)—all behaviours that are abnormal in autism. Melatonin, released from the pineal gland, is implicated in controlling serotonin and POMC (proopiomelanocortin) peptides, such as beta-endorphin, and an elevation may contribute to, or cause, the serotonin and opioid abnormalities (Chamberlain Herman, 1990). 

Additionally, an opioid antagonist, naltrexone, has been used to treat children with autism. The results from these studies have been mixed, with some studies showing a mild decrease in hyperactivity and self-injurious behavior, and improved attention (Gillberg, 1995). The children who respond best to this medication appear to have more severe abnormalities in their beta endorphin levels (Bouvard et al., 1995). Overall, the research suggests that the endogenous opioid system, which is important in the reward aspects of affiliation, may also play a role in the neurobiology of autism. 

Gillberg, C. (1995) Endogenous opioids and opiate antagonists in autism brief review of empirical findings and implications for clinicians. Dev Med Child Neurol 37 239-245. 

The part played by endogenous opioid systems in the regulation of these various physiological and behavioral functions has led to the experimental application of opiate antagonists in psychiatric disorders. This chapter focuses on autism and self-injury, which are two potential indications for opiate antagonists in pediatric populations. In adults, treatment with opiate antagonists has shown to be useful in the relapse prevention of alcoholism as part of a comprehensive treatment approach (Anton et ah, 1999, 2001). 

Herman, B.H., Hammock, M.K., Arthur-Smith, A., Egan, J., Chatoor, I., Zelnik, N., Corradine, M., Appelgate, K., Boecks, R., and Sharp, S.D. (1986) Role of opioid peptides in autism effects of acute administration of naltrexone [abstract]. Soc Neurosci Abstr 12 320. 

Marchetti, B., Scifo, R., Batticane, N., and Scapagnini, U. (1990) Immunological significance of opioid peptide dysfunction in infantile autism. Brain Dysfunction 3 346-354. 

Overall, the results indicate that naltrexone has little if any therapeutic efficacy with respect to learning or core symptoms of autism and argue against the hypothesis that overproduction of endogenous opioids plays a major role in autism. Nevertheless, the results indicate that naltrexone is generally well tolerated and may offer modest benefits primarily for treatment of hyperactivity associated with autistic disorder. 

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