Autism Symptoms May Improve with Modification of Hormone Pathway

Two clinical trials that altered vasopressin signaling report improved social functions in people with autism spectrum disorder, but researchers caution against overinterpreting the results.

Written byCatherine Offord

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Modifying levels of vasopressin, a hormone related to oxytocin that is involved in the regulation of mammalian social behavior, could enhance social function in people with autism spectrum disorder, according to results of two clinical trials published yesterday (May 1) in Science Translational Medicine. Blocking receptors for vasopressin or directly supplying the hormone to patients was associated with improved measures of social behavior, but some researchers have raised questions about the biological mechanisms behind the results.

“These two studies provide important information that the vasopressin or vasopressin and oxytocin systems are important in social communication,” Lawrence Scahill, director of clinical trials at the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta, tells Spectrum. He adds that modifying these systems could be a potential strategy for autism treatment. “But I think we want to be careful not to overinterpret the findings.”

There are already several approved medications for traits, such ...

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Meet the Author

Catherine Offord
After undergraduate research with spiders at the University of Oxford and graduate research with ants at Princeton University, Catherine left arthropods and academia to become a science journalist. She has worked in various guises at The Scientist since 2016. As Senior Editor, she wrote articles for the online and print publications, and edited the magazine’s Notebook, Careers, and Bio Business sections. She reports on subjects ranging from cellular and molecular biology to research misconduct and science policy. Find more of her work at her website.
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