Reduced levels of immunoglobulin in children with autism correlates with behavioral symptoms
- 1 October 2008
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Autism Research
- Vol. 1 (5), 275-283
- https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.42
Abstract
Objectives: To assay if plasma antibody levels in children with autism or developmental delays (DD) differ from those with typical development as an indicator of immune function and to correlate antibody levels with severity of behavioral symptoms. Methods: Plasma was collected from children with autistic disorder (AU; n=116), DD but not autism (n=32), autism spectrum disorder but not full autism (n=27), and age‐matched typically developing (TD) controls (n=96). Samples were assayed for systemic levels of immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM, IgA, and IgE) by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Subjects with autism were evaluated using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and the Autism Diagnostic Interview—Revised, and all subjects were scored on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) by the parents. Numerical scores for each of the ABC subscales as well as the total scores were then correlated with Ig levels. Results: Children with AU have a significantly reduced level of plasma IgG (5.39±0.29 mg/mL) compared to the TD (7.72±0.28 mg/mL; PPPr=−0.334, Pr=−0.167, P=0.0285). Conclusion: Children with AU have significantly reduced levels of plasma IgG and IgM compared to both DD and TD controls, suggesting an underlying defect in immune function. This reduction in specific Ig levels correlates with behavioral severity, where those patients with the highest scores in the behavioral battery have the most reduced levels of IgG and IgM.This publication has 48 references indexed in Scilit:
- Adaptive immunity affects learning behavior in miceBrain, Behavior, and Immunity, 2008
- A genetic variant that disrupts MET transcription is associated with autismProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2006
- Bannayan–Riley–Ruvalcaba syndrome with reactive nodular lymphoid hyperplasia and autism and a PTEN mutationAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics Part A, 2006
- Immune cells contribute to the maintenance of neurogenesis and spatial learning abilities in adulthoodNature Neuroscience, 2006
- Immune function in autistic childrenAnnals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2005
- Elaborate interactions between the immune and nervous systemsNature Immunology, 2004
- Interleukin-6 alters sleep of ratsJournal of Neuroimmunology, 2003
- PTEN mutation in a family with Cowden syndrome and autismAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics, 2001
- Concentrations of Plasma Immunoglobulins in the Dog as Determined by Laser Nephelometry. Comparison with Radial Immunodiffusion and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assaycclm, 1997
- Abnormal Psychosocial Situations and ICD‐10 Diagnoses in Children and Adolescents Attending a Psychiatric ServiceJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 1992