Century-Old Drug Reverses Signs of Autism In Mice 207
sciencehabit writes: A single dose of a century-old drug has eliminated autism symptoms in adult mice with an experimental form of the disorder. Originally developed to treat African sleeping sickness, the compound, called suramin, quells a heightened stress response in neurons that researchers believe may underlie some traits of autism. The finding raises the hope that some hallmarks of the disorder may not be permanent, but could be correctable even in adulthood.
Re: Big problem (Score:2, Interesting)
What if adrenal cortex damage is the mechanism of action and not a side effect? Overactive HPA axis does contribute to autism symptoms...
Re:Can a company patent it? (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Godsend (Score:4, Interesting)
Sorry but you theories do not match my experience.
"Aspergers Syndrome" diagnosis is clearly out of control when someone with some nervousness or anxiety is suddenly a "syndrome".
You also clearly do not understand the difference between a behaviour and a disorder. A disorder is a behaviour that gets in the way of doing things you want to do. Nervousness is a behaviour. Nervousness to the point that one can not carry on a conversation is a disability. You also have no idea what I experience. A barely controllable rage response in the face of a minor confrontation is far from "some nervousness or anxiety".
You remove the fear, you remove your "abilities" too.
I disagree. I use many of my "different" talents when I feel no anxiety at all. In fact, my ability to find and follow detail works best when I am calm.
They have nothing to do with Autism.
Anxiety is one small part of Autism and may or may not be present in all people on the Autism spectrum. There are may other symptoms and behaviours that make up the diagnosis.