Myelin as the possible connection between antidepressant use and Autism spectrum disorder

Wijnsma, Stijn (2023) Myelin as the possible connection between antidepressant use and Autism spectrum disorder. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.

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Abstract

This paper examined the influence of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) use by the mother and its specific influence on the neurodevelopmental outcome of the fetus, including its relation to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In humans, males show more significant changes in social behaviour when exposed to SSRIs during early development than females, which could be in line with males being more likely to develop ASD in general. Unfortunately, underlying mechanisms contributing to this vulnerability in males remain elusive. Some plausible leads have been brought up for discussion, like for instance the role of SSRI in altering the extra cellular matrix (ECM). The ECM, subsequently, plays an important role in the regulation and coordination of myelin. It is, however, unclear how and if there is a link between the ECM and ASD. This essay will therefor further explore this link. Although there is evidence on how perinatal SSRI exposure changes the ECM, which focusses on myelin-related gene expression, no overlap is found regarding specific components of the ECM that directly link the ECM to ASD.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Olivier, J.D.A.
Degree programme:	Biology
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	15 Nov 2023 11:23
Last Modified:	15 Nov 2023 11:23
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/31643

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