Serum levels of P-selectin in men with high-functioning autism

Abstract

Immune dysfunction has been proposed as a mechanism for the pathophysiology of autistic-spectrum disorders. The selectin family of adhesion molecules plays a prominent role in immune/inflammatory responses. We determined the serum levels of three types of soluble-form selectin (sP, sL and sE) in 15 men with high-functioning autism and 22 age-matched healthy controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Levels of sP-selectin and sL-selectin were significantly lower in patients than in controls. Furthermore, sP-selectin levels were negatively correlated with impaired social development during early childhood.

The role of immune dysfunction in the pathophysiology of autism

“…Circulating levels of soluble adhesion molecules P-Selectin, L-Selectin and PECAM-1 accurately represent levels on endothelial cells. In high functioning individuals with ASD levels of sPECAM-1, sP-Selectin and sL-selectin were decreased compared with controls (Iwata et al, 2008; Tsuchiya et al, 2007). Furthermore, lower levels of P-Selectin were associated with more impaired social skills (Iwata et al, 2008).…”

“…In high functioning individuals with ASD levels of sPECAM-1, sP-Selectin and sL-selectin were decreased compared with controls (Iwata et al, 2008; Tsuchiya et al, 2007). Furthermore, lower levels of P-Selectin were associated with more impaired social skills (Iwata et al, 2008). These data suggest that modulating immune cell access to the brain in ASD may influence abnormal social interactions.…”

Levels of Soluble Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 and P-Selectin Are Decreased in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…The essential role of adhesion molecules in controlling the process of leukocyte migration across the BBB makes these molecules particularly interesting targets for study. Decreased levels of sPECAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sP-Selectin have been previously reported in high functioning adults with autism (44, 45), but the levels of these molecules have not been examined in children with ASD who are closer to the age of the onset of the disorder. To confirm the finding of lower levels of select adhesion molecules in ASD, and to determine if adhesion molecules were also reduced in children with ASD, sPECAM-1, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sP-Selectin, and sL-Selectin were quantified in peripheral blood plasma of children with ASD and typically developing controls as part of the Autism Phenome Project (APP).…”

New Models for Considering the Role of Medication in the Treatment and Elucidation of the Etiology of Autism

“…The interaction of T cells with the central nervous system is a promising pathway to explore. Adhesion molecules which moderate the transport of T cells across membranes, such as P-selectin, L-selectin and PECAM-1, were decreased in 15 men with high-functioning autism [38]. Additionally the P-selectin levels were associated with impaired social development during early childhood.…”