Updated View on the Relation of the Pineal Gland to Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

• Identification of biological features is essential for designing treatments and prevention of autism.
• Pineal gland dysfunction and melatonin deficiency are proposed biological causes of autism.
• Melatonin regulates sleep-wake cycles and synchronizes the body's rhythms.
• Autism is associated with low melatonin levels and sleep disorders.
• Abnormal neuroplasticity, such as cortical overgrowth, may be linked to endogenous DMT hyperactivity.
• The pineal gland might be a source of DMT, contributing to autism development.

Introduction

• Extensive research has identified various physiological, genetic, and environmental factors in autism.
• None of these factors are consistently present across the autistic population.
• Pineal gland, a small neuroendocrine gland, might malfunction in autism, impacting CSF volume and hormone secretion.
• Melatonin, synthesized by the pineal gland, is crucial for circadian rhythms and is influenced by light.
• Genetic mutations related to melatonin synthesis have been found in autism.

Recent Findings on Pineal Gland and Autism

• Melatonin is a potent antioxidant and has immunomodulatory properties.
• Deficiency may cause oxidative stress and immune system abnormalities, common in autism.
• Correlation exists between autism symptoms and melatonin levels during development.
• Light exposure affecting melatonin synthesis, such as artificial lighting, might increase autism risk.
• Geographic and environmental factors (e.g., sunlight exposure) could influence autism risk through melatonin.

DMT and Neural Connectivity Abnormalities in Autism

• Abnormal neural plasticity in autism might be caused by mTOR signaling disruptions.
• Melatonin synthesis disruption increases precursors serotonin and NAS, affecting neural plasticity.
• DMT, found in the brain, acts on 5-HT2AR, TrkB, and mTOR pathways, potentially influencing autism.

Endogenous DMT from the Pineal Gland

• DMT exists in humans at trace levels; source within the body is unclear.
• Pineal gland has been suggested as a potential source due to INMT presence.
• Controversy exists on DMT's functional role due to low detected concentrations.
• DMT or related compounds might play a role in neural plasticity and immunity.

Conclusion

• Recent studies support the hypothesis that pineal gland dysfunction and DMT metabolism abnormalities may contribute to autism.
• Elevated levels of bufotenine, a DMT analog, have been found in autistic patients.
• Suggests further research into DMT's role in autism and potential treatments involving melatonin and light exposure monitoring.

Author Contributions

• TS and NN conceived and drafted the manuscript.

Conflict of Interest

• No commercial or financial conflicts noted.

Acknowledgments

• Thanks given to Roxanne Halper for editorial assistance and Eyal Kapulnik for discussions.