Neuropathological and genetic findings in autism: the significance of a putative minicolumnopathy

Neuroscientist. 2006 Oct;12(5):435-41. doi: 10.1177/1073858406290375.

Abstract

Autism is a condition manifested as abnormalities of relatedness, communication, range of interests, and repetitive behaviors. Despite alarming prevalence estimates and exhortations to research, little is known regarding its pathophysiology. Recent reports of a putative minicolumnopathy explain changes in brain size, gray/white matter ratios, and interareal connectivity. This article summarizes possible links between minicolumns and other topics-cortical modularity, age of onset, gliosis, and genetics-relevant to the pathophysiology of autism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age of Onset
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Autistic Disorder / genetics*
  • Autistic Disorder / pathology*
  • Autistic Disorder / physiopathology
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged