Potential Autism Treatment Emerges from Hormone Study in Rhesus Monkeys

A recent study conducted at the Florida Institute of Technology has unveiled promising results regarding hormone supplementation in rhesus monkeys, with potential implications for autism treatment. Researchers, led by Catherine Talbot, an assistant professor of psychology, have discovered that increasing levels of the hormone vasopressin can enhance social behaviors in low-social monkeys, a model that may reflect certain aspects of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in humans.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism spectrum disorder affects approximately one in 36 children in the United States, a significant rise from previous estimates. Current FDA-approved treatments primarily manage the symptoms associated with ASD, rather than addressing its underlying causes. This increase in autism prevalence raises critical questions about its origins and potential therapeutic strategies.

The research team engaged in this study utilized a unique cohort of rhesus monkeys, which are known for their varied social behaviors. Some monkeys display low social interaction, akin to certain traits observed in individuals diagnosed with autism. Talbot's research aims to explore the relationship between biological variations and social cognitive abilities.

In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Talbot and her collaborators assessed the effects of nebulized vasopressin, a hormone associated with social behavior in mammals. Their previous research indicated that low-social monkeys exhibited reduced levels of vasopressin, mirroring findings in some human populations with ASD.

Prior investigations involving rodents had suggested that increasing vasopressin levels could lead to heightened aggression, prompting caution regarding its use as a treatment. Talbot, however, posited that these outcomes were context-dependent, with aggression being a natural response in specific social situations. This implies that the effects of vasopressin may vary significantly between typical individuals and those with lower social tendencies.

In their latest research, the team administered vasopressin through a nebulizer, allowing monkeys to voluntarily inhale the hormone while enjoying a preferred treat. The results were encouraging; following treatment, low-social monkeys began to exhibit improved social responses and enhanced recognition of facial features, aligning their abilities more closely with those of their more socially adept counterparts.

These findings suggest that vasopressin supplementation could effectively improve social cognition in monkeys characterized by low social interaction, without inciting aggressive behaviors. Talbot expressed optimism regarding the potential for these results to inform future autism therapies.

One of the co-authors of the study has begun applying these findings to clinical settings, indicating a pathway toward human trials. In the meantime, Talbot is investigating more intricate social cognitive processes, such as the ability to understand others' perspectives, to further elucidate the biological underpinnings of social deficits.

Future directions for this research may include targeting young monkeys at risk for developing social impairments related to autism with vasopressin treatment, potentially altering their developmental outcomes and paving the way for targeted interventions in humans.