Correlations between stereotypies in ASD and neurotransmitters: a systematic review

Introduction. There is evidence that neurotransmitters and their systems may be involved in the pathophysiology of motor stereotypies Autism Spectrum Disorder. Objective. Conduct a review to assess on correlations between stereotyped behaviors changes neurotransmitter systems, by analyzing original articles an animal model. Method. Studies published January 2000 2021 were searched six databases 19 reports selected. Reports' population, method, main results, conclusions extracted. Results. The analysis revealed serotonergic, dopaminergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic, GABAergic modulation models ASD. In general, administration antagonists serotoninergic, dopaminergic receptors causes reduction behavior, stimulation cholinergic through receptor agonists, was also responsible for reducing these behaviors. some discrepancies responses depending routes drug brain areas, suggesting factors influence Conclusion. suggest over-activation as suppression have direct appearance stereotypies. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42021235397.