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Impairment of actions chains in autism and its possible role in intention understanding.

ABSTRACT: Experiments in monkeys demonstrated that many parietal and premotor neurons coding a specific motor act (e.g., grasping) show a markedly different activation when this act is part of actions that have different goals (e.g., grasping for eating vs. grasping for placing). Many of these "action-constrained" neurons have mirror properties firing selectively to the observation of the initial motor act of the actions to which they belong motorically. By activating a specific action chain from its very outset, this mechanism allows the observers to have an internal copy of the whole action before its execution, thus enabling them to understand directly the agent's intention. Using electromyographic recordings, we show that a similar chained organization exists in typically developing children, whereas it is impaired in children with autism. We propose that, as a consequence of this functional impairment, high-functioning autistic children may understand the intentions of others cognitively but lack the mechanism for understanding them experientially.

SUBMITTER: Cattaneo L

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2077067 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Impairment of actions chains in autism and its possible role in intention understanding.

Cattaneo Luigi L Fabbri-Destro Maddalena M Boria Sonia S Pieraccini Cinzia C Monti Annalisa A Cossu Giuseppe G Rizzolatti Giacomo G

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 20071026 45

Experiments in monkeys demonstrated that many parietal and premotor neurons coding a specific motor act (e.g., grasping) show a markedly different activation when this act is part of actions that have different goals (e.g., grasping for eating vs. grasping for placing). Many of these "action-constrained" neurons have mirror properties firing selectively to the observation of the initial motor act of the actions to which they belong motorically. By activating a specific action chain from its very ...[more]

PMID: 17965234

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Project description:Autism spectrum disorders represent a diverse etiological spectrum that converge on a syndrome characterized by discrepant deficits in developmental domains often highlighted by concerns in socialization, sensory integration, and autonomic functioning. Importantly, the incidence and prevalence of autism spectrum disorders have seen sharp increases since the syndrome was first described in the 1940s. The wide etiological spectrum and rising number of individuals being diagnosed with the condition lend urgency to capturing a more nuanced understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the autism spectrum disorders. The current review seeks to understand how the disruption of AMPA receptor (AMPAr)-mediated neurotransmission in the cerebro-cerebellar circuit, particularly in genetic autism related to SHANK3 or SYNGAP1 protein dysfunction function and autism associated with in utero exposure to the anti-seizure medications valproic acid and topiramate, may contribute to the disease presentation. Initially, a discussion contextualizing AMPAr signaling in the cerebro-cerebellar circuitry and microstructural circuit considerations is offered. Subsequently, a detailed review of the literature implicating mutations or deletions of SHANK3 and SYNGAP1 in disrupted AMPAr signaling reveals how bidirectional pathogenic modulation of this key circuit may contribute to autism. Finally, how pharmacological exposure may interact with this pathway, via increased risk of autism diagnosis with valproic acid and topiramate exposure and potential treatment of autism using AMPAr modulator perampanel, is discussed. Through the lens of the review, we will offer speculation on how neuromodulation may be used as a rational adjunct to therapy. Together, the present review seeks to synthesize the disparate considerations of circuit understanding, genetic etiology, and pharmacological modulation to understand the mechanistic interaction of this important and complex disorder.

Dataset Information

Impairment of actions chains in autism and its possible role in intention understanding.

Publications

Impairment of actions chains in autism and its possible role in intention understanding.

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