GABA in autism spectrum disorders

Alterations in GABAergic (γ-aminobutyric acid) pathways have been implicated in sensory differences in people with autism spectrum disorders. In this study, researchers explored the GABA-dependent retinal response in patients with autism spectrum disorders, using electroretinograms. The study involved 61 adults, 22 of whom had autism spectrum disorders. They received either a placebo, or 15 or 30 mg of arbaclofen, a GABA agonist. The researchers showed that arbaclofen was associated with a reduction in wave amplitude in the electroretinogram of people with autism, and on the contrary with an increase in amplitude in people without autism.