Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have announced a significant breakthrough in studying autism spectrum disorders. This was reported by Upl.uz.
In previous clinical studies conducted on mice, researchers identified the brain region associated with autism symptoms and were able to eliminate these symptoms using an experimental drug. The results published in the scientific journal Science Advances indicate that the reticular nucleus of the thalamus — a region that plays a crucial role in filtering sensory information — is one of the main factors underlying autistic behavior.
It was found that excessive activity of neurons in this area is directly linked to increased sensitivity to external stimuli, repetitive movements, and difficulties in social interactions. The central element of the study was a drug codenamed Z944.
This compound is known as a selective antagonist of T-type calcium channels and has previously been used to treat epilepsy. A single dose of Z944 administered to mice with a genetic model of autism significantly reduced the overactivity in the thalamus.
As a result of this intervention, almost complete disappearance of behaviors characteristic of autism was observed. The mice showed reduced hypersensitivity to light and sound, cessation of repetitive stereotypical movements, and restoration of social skills.
One of the interesting aspects is that Z944 not only affected neural pathways related to autism but was also effective in reducing seizure activity. This confirms the clinical connection between autism and epilepsy.
Approximately 30 percent of patients with autism experience seizures, indicating that the two conditions share common neurobiological mechanisms. Despite the successful results in animals, scientists recommend a cautious approach.
During clinical trials in humans, the safety and efficacy of the drug must be established. If the trials are successful, a new class of drugs for treating autism and related neurological disorders could be developed.
Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a strict approval process for new drugs, government support for innovations in biotechnology may accelerate the process. This discovery represents an important step in understanding the complex mechanisms of brain function and expands therapeutic possibilities targeted at autism spectrum disorders.
The reticular nucleus of the thalamus affected by Z944 is known as the "brain's gate" or "dispatcher," managing the information coming from sensory organs to the cerebral cortex and determining which signals are important while filtering out the rest.
