Sodium channel link to autism

摘要

Haploinsufficiency of the gene SCN1A, which encodes a voltage-gated sodium channel, causes Dravet's syndrome, a childhood epilepsy that sometimes includes features of autism. Sung Han et al. now show that mice with Scnla haploinsufficiency also display autism-related behaviours, including hyperactivity and impaired social interaction. G AB Aergic neurotransmission is reduced in these mice, and social behaviours can be improved by treatment with donazepam.