Peripheral Somatosensory Neuron Dysfunction: Emerging Roles in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Publication date: Available online 6 February 2020Source: NeuroscienceAuthor(s): Lauren L. OreficeAbstractAlterations in somatosensory (touch and pain) behaviors are highly prevalent among people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). However, the neural mechanisms underlying abnormal touch and pain-related behaviors in ASDs and how altered somatosensory reactivity might contribute to ASD pathogenesis has not been well studied. Here, we provide a brief review of somatosensory alterations observed in people with ASDs and recent evidence from animal models that implicates peripheral neurons as a locus of dysfunction for somatosensory abnormalities in ASDs. Lastly, we describe current efforts to understand how altered peripheral sensory neuron dysfunction may impact brain development and complex behaviors in ASD models, and whether targeting peripheral somatosensory neurons to improve their function might also improve related ASD phenotypes.

Source: Neuroscience - February 6, 2020 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research