Glutamate and Autism

[MomWithOCDSon]

Maybe I'm just still playing catch-up on the research, but this is the first time I've seen the link made between glutamate and autism. For me, it explains a lot about the ASD/PDD-type behaviors we've seen in our DS during exacerbation.

 

Mercury, glutamate and autism

[melanie]

Namenda Namenda!!!

 

Dannys been taking it for a few months and the results are evident

[Iowadawn]

Namenda was just added back into the mix for ds12. It helps with the inflexibility/rigid/stuck thinking. VERY common drug now in the autism community. At least in central Iowa. Dawn

[mkur]

Thanks for posting. I would like your opinion on the third article Cough drug’s effects point to glutamate dysregulation which I found really interesting. Have you used this OTC med dextromethorphan? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dextromethorphan http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682492.html

When I looked up the cough drug in Wikipedia it says it is a nonselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and doesn’t mention glutamate. It does say that “Approximately 1 in 10 of the caucasian population has little or no CYP2D6 enzyme activity leading to long lived high drug levels.[31]” So I looked CYP2D6 up at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CYP2D6 and scrolled down, it lists all the drugs that are selected inducers, inhibitors and substrates of CYP2D6. This explains why some kids have problems with these meds. It also mentions a test and gives a criticism of the test and why I won’t have DS tested. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AmpliChip_CYP450_Test

 

Also found the following the abstracts interesting:

 

1-Dextromethorphan as a potential neuroprotective agent with unique mechanisms of action. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17848867

 

2-Inhibitory effect of glutamate release from rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes by dextromethorphan and its metabolite 3-hydroxymorphinan. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19428798

 

3-Cyanocobalamin, vitamin B12, depresses glutamate release through inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx in rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals (synaptosomes). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19073169

 

*Side note: I know that vitamin B6 is used to help control Keppra (seizure med) rages. Pyridoxine supplementation for the treatment of levetiracetam-induced behavior side effects in children: preliminary results. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18647662

[MomWithOCDSon]

Thanks for posting. I would like your opinion on the third article Cough drugs effects point to glutamate dysregulation which I found really interesting. Have you used this OTC med dextromethorphan? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dextromethorphan http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682492.html

When I looked up the cough drug in Wikipedia it says it is a nonselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and doesnt mention glutamate. It does say that Approximately 1 in 10 of the caucasian population has little or no CYP2D6 enzyme activity leading to long lived high drug levels.[31] So I looked CYP2D6 up at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CYP2D6 and scrolled down, it lists all the drugs that are selected inducers, inhibitors and substrates of CYP2D6. This explains why some kids have problems with these meds. It also mentions a test and gives a criticism of the test and why I wont have DS tested. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AmpliChip_CYP450_Test

 

Also found the following the abstracts interesting:

 

1-Dextromethorphan as a potential neuroprotective agent with unique mechanisms of action. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17848867

 

2-Inhibitory effect of glutamate release from rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes by dextromethorphan and its metabolite 3-hydroxymorphinan. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19428798

 

3-Cyanocobalamin, vitamin B12, depresses glutamate release through inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx in rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals (synaptosomes). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19073169

 

*Side note: I know that vitamin B6 is used to help control Keppra (seizure med) rages. Pyridoxine supplementation for the treatment of levetiracetam-induced behavior side effects in children: preliminary results. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18647662

 

Wow, Mkur! Thanks! I have to say that I was mostly focused on the article at the top of the page and had only thus far scanned the lower story regarding the cough medicine. Once again, very interesting! It does make me wonder whether or not the Wikipedia authors have it straight; is it really acting as a non-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (I guess that would make it an NSRI, rather than an SSRI), or is it that it is actually glutamate inhibiting, as the other links you've researched appear to indicate?

 

No, we've never tried dextromethorphan for behavioral purposes, and we've rarely given DS any cold medicines, per se. Back when he was very small and nearly every cold would become an ear infection, we focused on cold rememdy formulations, rather, that contained guaifenesin to break up the mucus and thick fluids and encourage the drainage. We didn't know about his OCD/PANDAS then, though, so we weren't on the lookout for all the behavioral "baggage" we now know is directly linked to his physical health.

 

The Wiki article, however, also mentions that dextromethorphan can induce a histamine response, which is definitely something we don't need on this end as DS struggles with allergies and stuffiness already, as well as eczema; he's got enough histamine coursing through his system to supply a half-dozen people! Now, that could be another whole discussion, since they've found elevated histamine levels in people diagnosed with schizophrenia and a number of "psych drugs" (antidepressants) are also noted for having antihistamine characteristics.

 

Remind me again why it's still so hard for so many medical "professionals" to believe that inflammation in the brain and/or gut can be at the root of any number of psychological conditions?!?!?

Edited June 29, 2011 by MomWithOCDSon

[SSS]

All of this is a little over my head, but, I was wondering if any of you see the relation between

Glutamate and L-Theanine

L-Theanine:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theanine

 

For my sometimes extremely hyper dd6 (who I would not say has ADHD, but by God, can she be hyper, off the hook)

I started her on Lutimax for inflammation, which worked fantastic on her gut inflammation, but made her hyper (we also have some gut issues, like phenol intolerence, etc.)

Anyway, they make Lutimax also w/ L-theanine, if you want to buy it that way, I am assuming in case your kid gets hyper on it like mine has- I ended up buying separate L-theanine chewables, and they do seem to calm her down-

when I research L-theanine, it relates to glutamate, but, I don't really understand it, either :-/

And it does talk about the dopamine, which freaks me out, but, desperate means call for too much supplement buying, so I gave this a whirl.

I've tried Gaba, 5-HTP, and they always had a negative effective on her.

The l-theanine does not seem to- it actually seems to calm her down a bit.

[SSS]

Here are some things I am pasting from the internet about glutamate and l-theanine:

 

"L-Theanine is an amino acid contained in green tea leaves which is known to block the binding of L-glutamic acid to glutamate receptors in the brain. Because the characteristics of L-Theanine suggest that it may influence psychological and physiological states under stress"

 

"So what does this all have to do with L-Theanine?

 

L-theanine is an amino acid exclusively found in Tea (not rooibus or whatever, the REAL tea, like black or green tea). And it prevents Glutamate excitotoxicity. In fact, excitotoxicity is not a problem only found in schizophrenia (I assume the article about the role of Glutamate Excitotoxicity in schizophrenia is right) . Physical damage to the brain can cause that too, the braincells go OH CRAP WE ARE DAMAGED LETS RELEASE A HUGE LOAD OF GLUTAMATE FOR THE ###### OF IT AND CAUSE MUCH MORE DAMAGE.

 

So these reasearchers took some rats and gave them some L-Theanine and caused some serious brain damage to the poor rats. It turned out the rats on L-Theanine did much better even after repeated brain damage. For more info look at the cool paper I have written. You will find the study with rats under one of the links in there.

 

So. it's absolutely clear that L-Theanine reduces Glutamate excitatory."

[MomWithOCDSon]

All of this is a little over my head, but, I was wondering if any of you see the relation between

Glutamate and L-Theanine

L-Theanine:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theanine

 

For my sometimes extremely hyper dd6 (who I would not say has ADHD, but by God, can she be hyper, off the hook)

I started her on Lutimax for inflammation, which worked fantastic on her gut inflammation, but made her hyper (we also have some gut issues, like phenol intolerence, etc.)

Anyway, they make Lutimax also w/ L-theanine, if you want to buy it that way, I am assuming in case your kid gets hyper on it like mine has- I ended up buying separate L-theanine chewables, and they do seem to calm her down-

when I research L-theanine, it relates to glutamate, but, I don't really understand it, either :-/

And it does talk about the dopamine, which freaks me out, but, desperate means call for too much supplement buying, so I gave this a whirl.

I've tried Gaba, 5-HTP, and they always had a negative effective on her.

The l-theanine does not seem to- it actually seems to calm her down a bit.

 

It's largely over my head, too. The only thing I'll say in sort of an admitted "knee-jerk" reaction, is that I see L-theanine referred to as a "glutamate analog," meaning something very similar to/exchangable with glutamate. And, from all the other research and our own experiences to date, the last thing we want to do in our DS's case is enhance the glutamate and behaviors coming out of that. But then, again, I see, also, that they think that L-theanine may increase GABA, and GABA in turn sort of neutralizes glutamate activity. So maybe, in the end, it would be helpful?

 

I need a more scientific mind than mine to help sort all this out!

[philamom]

All of this is a little over my head, but, I was wondering if any of you see the relation between

Glutamate and L-Theanine

L-Theanine:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theanine

 

For my sometimes extremely hyper dd6 (who I would not say has ADHD, but by God, can she be hyper, off the hook)

I started her on Lutimax for inflammation, which worked fantastic on her gut inflammation, but made her hyper (we also have some gut issues, like phenol intolerence, etc.)

Anyway, they make Lutimax also w/ L-theanine, if you want to buy it that way, I am assuming in case your kid gets hyper on it like mine has- I ended up buying separate L-theanine chewables, and they do seem to calm her down-

when I research L-theanine, it relates to glutamate, but, I don't really understand it, either :-/

And it does talk about the dopamine, which freaks me out, but, desperate means call for too much supplement buying, so I gave this a whirl.

I've tried Gaba, 5-HTP, and they always had a negative effective on her.

The l-theanine does not seem to- it actually seems to calm her down a bit.

Are you giving your daughter the Lutimax to help with OCD?

[SSS]

I am giving my daughter Lutimax for inflammation. For us, it certainly does reduce inflammation (we have gut inflammation/constipation, and lutimax has taken it away- perfect bowel movements, on her own, regular.)

I will say OCD is better, but, too soon to really say it is the lutimax- but the lutimax alone made her pretty hyper, and with hyper, I saw an increase in vocal tics- but I had also decreased antibx. too- honestly, we have too many variables sometimes for me to pinpoint what is provoking pandas- but did also start up more Azith.

Lutimax is also sold as a powder with the l-theanine, and for us, that combo is working out well, the l-theanine is calming her down (and vocal tics are gone.) This part is clear to see.

Now, of course, all of our kids react to supplements differently-

[philamom]

I am giving my daughter Lutimax for inflammation. For us, it certainly does reduce inflammation (we have gut inflammation/constipation, and lutimax has taken it away- perfect bowel movements, on her own, regular.)

I will say OCD is better, but, too soon to really say it is the lutimax- but the lutimax alone made her pretty hyper, and with hyper, I saw an increase in vocal tics- but I had also decreased antibx. too- honestly, we have too many variables sometimes for me to pinpoint what is provoking pandas- but did also start up more Azith.

Lutimax is also sold as a powder with the l-theanine, and for us, that combo is working out well, the l-theanine is calming her down (and vocal tics are gone.) This part is clear to see.

Now, of course, all of our kids react to supplements differently-

Ok - thanks!

[Ozimum]

Going back to thimerosol, I found this interesting ...

 

"Does vitamin D explain the role of vaccines, mercury, and heavy metals?

 

Vitamin D's role in increasing glutathione levels may explain the link between mercury and other heavy metals, oxidative stress, and autism. For example, activated vitamin D lessens heavy metal induced oxidative injuries in rat brain. The primary route for brain toxicity of most heavy metals is through depletion of glutathione. Besides its function as a master antioxidant, glutathione acts as a chelating (binding) agent to remove heavy metals, like mercury. Autistic individuals have difficulty excreting heavy metals, like mercury. If brain levels of activated vitamin D are too low to employ glutathione properly, and thus unable to remove heavy metals, they may be damaged by heavy metal loads normal children easily excrete. That is, the mercury in Thiomerosol vaccines may have injured vitamin D deficient children while normal children would have easily bound the mercury and excreted it. These studies offer further hope that sun-exposure or vitamin D supplements may help autistic children by increasing glutathione and removing heavy metals. Not only do we have more clues that vitamin D is involved in autism, the vitamin D theory just did something else: it explained two other theories of autism, the mercury accumulation theory and the oxidative stress theory. Lin AM, Chen KB, Chao PL. Antioxidative effect of vitamin D3 on zinc-induced oxidative stress in CNS. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2005 Aug;1053:31929. Valko M, Morris H, Cronin MT. Metals, toxicity and oxidative stress. Curr Med Chem. 2005;12(10):1161208. Kern JK, Jones AM. Evidence of toxicity, oxidative stress, and neuronal insult in autism. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 2006 NovDec;9(6):48599."

 

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/health/autism/vit-D-and-brain.shtml

 

And this link is worth a read too:

 

http://www.greenhealthwatch.com/newsstories/newsvitd3/vitd-autism.html

 

...in particular:

 

"Is autism an ongoing inflammatory disease process?

Abnormal inflammation is associated with both autism and vitamin D3 deficiency. For example, autistic individuals show increases in cytokines (inflammatory cells) in patterns very similar to those seen in immune processes regulated by vitamin D3 where vitamin D3 levels are deficient. [9]

Both the brain and the blood of autistic individuals show evidence of ongoing chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, suggesting a progressive and probably increasingly destructive disease process. If this ongoing inflammation could be interrupted, the symptoms of autism might improve. Given vitamin D3s powerful anti-inflammatory properties, a vitamin D3 treatment for autism may be very effective. We already know that vitamin D3:

decreases production of inflammatory cytokines in the brain, which have consistently been associated with brain impairment

stimulates neurotrophin release (neurotrophins induce the survival of nerve cells)

reduces toxic calcium levels in the brain, and

inhibits the production of nitrous oxide (nitrous oxide destroys brain cells)

increases concentrations of glutathione, the brains master antioxidant [10]

Does vitamin D3 explain the role of vaccines, mercury, and heavy metals in autism?

Activated vitamin D3 increases glutathione levels in the brain

The main reason heavy metals can reach toxic levels in the brain is inadequate levels of glutathione

Glutathione acts as a chelating (binding) agent to remove heavy metals, like mercury

Autistic individuals have difficulty excreting heavy metals, like mercury

This may explain why the tiny amounts of mercury in vaccines or in the mothers teeth appear to injure some children but not others. Did the non-injured children enjoy higher levels of vitamin D3, giving them higher levels of glutathione and making their bodies better at capturing and excreting the mercury? Both a mercury accumulation theory and an oxidative stress theory already exist for autism [12]"

Edited July 1, 2011 by Ozimum