Abstract
Dopaminergic signaling is believed to be related to autistic traits. We conducted an exploratory 3,4-dihydroxy-6-[18F]-fluoro-L-phenylalanine positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([18F]-FDOPA PET/CT) study, to examine cerebral [18F]-FDOPA influx constant (kicer min−1), reflecting predominantly striatal dopamine synthesis capacity and a mixed monoaminergic innervation in extrastriatal neurons, in 44 adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 22 controls, aged 18 to 30 years. Autistic traits were assessed with the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Region-of-interest and voxel-based analyses showed no statistically significant differences in kicer between autistic adults and controls. In autistic adults, striatal kicer was significantly, negatively associated with AQ attention to detail subscale scores, although Bayesian analyses did not support this finding. In conclusion, among autistic adults, specific autistic traits can be associated with reduced striatal dopamine synthesis capacity. However, replication of this finding is necessary.
Highlights
IntroductionPublisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
We found no significant differences in the striatal and extrastriatal [18 F]-FDOPA uptake between unmedicated autistic adults and controls
In the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) sample, but not in the control or combined samples, the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) attention to detail subscale scores were significantly and negatively correlated with dopamine synthesis capacity in the whole striatum, the putamen, and the nucleus accumbens, these findings were not supported by Bayesian analyses
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. The atypical functioning of dopaminergic and other monoaminergic systems has long been hypothesized to contribute to autistic traits [1]. According to the dopamine hypothesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD; [2,3]), alterations in the midbrain dopaminergic system are associated with clinical and sub-clinical autistic traits, including difficulties in social interaction and communication, and stereotyped behaviors. There is a lack of studies assessing in vivo monoamine functioning in autistic adults [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
