How relevant are GFAP autoantibodies in autism and Tourette Syndrome?

J Autism Dev Disord. 2008 Feb;38(2):333-41. doi: 10.1007/s10803-007-0398-9. Epub 2007 Jun 20.

Abstract

Controversy exists over the role of autoantibodies to central nervous system antigens in autism and Tourette Syndrome. We investigated plasma autoantibody titers to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in children with classic onset (33) and regressive onset (26) autism, controls (25, healthy age- and gender-matched) and individuals with Tourette Syndrome (24) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. We found a significant difference in autoantibody titers to GFAP, not accounted for by age, between the Tourette (significantly lower) and regressive autism groups. However, no differences were found between: classic/regressive; classic/controls; classic/Tourette; regressive/controls; or controls/Tourette. Autoantibody responses against GFAP are unlikely to play a pathogenic role in autism or Tourette Syndrome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Autistic Disorder / immunology*
  • Autoantibodies / blood*
  • Brain / immunology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Reference Values
  • Tourette Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Tourette Syndrome / immunology*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein