Thalamus serotonin synthesis

Patients with autism have decreased serotonin, dopamine, nicotine, and other neurotransmitters in certain regions of the brain, but no single abnormality. Chugani (2004) examined the evidence for anomalous development of the serotonin system in the brain of children with autism. Serotonin levels in the blood are often elevated in children with autism. Serotonin synthesis is decreased in the frontal region and thalamus on one side of the brain and increased in the dentate nucleus of the opposite cerebellum. 

PET studies have decreased serotonin synthesis in the left frontal cortex and the left thalamus and increased serotonin synthesis in the dentate nucleus of the right cerebellum. 

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