Cerebral [18F]-FDOPA Uptake in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Association with Autistic Traits

R. Schalbroeck*, L.F. de Geus-Oei, J.P. Selten, M. Yaqub, A. Schrantee, T. van Amelsvoort, J. Booij, F.H.P. van Velden

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Dopaminergic signaling is believed to be related to autistic traits. We conducted an exploratory 3,4-dihydroxy-6-[F-18]-fluoro-L-phenylalanine positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([F-18]-FDOPA PET/CT) study, to examine cerebral [F-18]-FDOPA influx constant (k(i)(cer) min(-1)), reflecting predominantly striatal dopamine synthesis capacity and a mixed monoaminergic innervation in extrastriatal neurons, in 44 adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 22 controls, aged 18 to 30 years. Autistic traits were assessed with the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Region-of-interest and voxel-based analyses showed no statistically significant differences in k(i)(cer) between autistic adults and controls. In autistic adults, striatal k(i)(cer) was significantly, negatively associated with AQ attention to detail subscale scores, although Bayesian analyses did not support this finding. In conclusion, among autistic adults, specific autistic traits can be associated with reduced striatal dopamine synthesis capacity. However, replication of this finding is necessary.
Original languageEnglish
Article number2404
Number of pages9
JournalDiagnostics
Volume11
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2021

Keywords

  • autism spectrum disorder
  • autistic traits
  • [F-18]-FDOPA
  • positron emission tomography
  • dopamine
  • monoamine
  • HUMAN BRAIN
  • QUOTIENT AQ
  • DOPAMINE
  • PET
  • TRANSPORTER
  • PSYCHOSIS

Cite this