Immunoglobulin secretion onto mucosal surfaces is a major component of the mucosal immune system. We hypothesized that chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances associated with autistic disorder (AD) may be due to an underlying deficiency in mucosal immunity, and that orally administered immunoglobulin would be effective in alleviating chronic GI dysfunction in these individuals. In this pilot study, twelve male subjects diagnosed with AD were evaluated using a GI severity index (GSI) while receiving daily dosing with encapsulated human immunoglobulin. Following eight weeks of treatment, 50% of the subjects met prespecified criteria for response in GI signs and symptoms and showed significant behavioral improvement as assessed by the Autism Behavior Checklist and parent and physician rated Clinical Global Impression of Improvement.

Insulation was packed around the sides of the dish and the sample was then irradiated for 20 hr with the Hanovia arc (Pyrex filter) placed 4 in. above the top of the dish. The crude product was dissolved in 20 ml of hot benzene and filtered to remove insoluble tar. Cyclohexane (80 ml) was added, and the solution was heated to boiling, treated with Darco, and again filtered. The filtrate was cooled to room temperature and then overnight at 10°to yield 250 mg (14.6%) of pale yellow crystals. Recrystallization from benzene-cyclohexane gave crystals: mp 185.5-186.5°; nmr (CDCU) i 2.57 (m, CH2CH2),4.2 (2H,m,CHAr),and7.1 and 7.95 (8 H, 2 d, / = 8.5 Hz, 4-nitrophenyls); mass spectrum (50 eV, direct inlet) m/e (relative intensity) 298 (2.2), 270 (0.5),

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