Excitation/Inhibition Imbalance in Animal Models of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Imbalances between excitation and inhibition in synaptic transmission and neural circuits have been implicated in autism spectrum disorders. Excitation and inhibition imbalances are frequently observed in animal models of autism spectrum disorders, and their correction normalizes key autistic-like phenotypes in these animals. These results suggest that excitation and inhibition imbalances may contribute to the development and maintenance of autism spectrum disorders and represent an important therapeutic target.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorders; Circuit; Excitation/inhibition balance; Mouse models; Psychiatric disorders; Synapse.