This pilot study was designed to determine if prior reports of abnormal electroretinograms (ERGs) in autism could be confirmed and, if so, could patterns of family transmission be identified. Abnormal ERG recordings were obtained from six of the 10 subjects tested two of four autistic probands, two of four siblings, and two fathers. No family patterns emerged from our small sample, but the results point to the need to extend this interesting new area or research.
References
1.
RitvoE.R., CreelD., RealmutoG.Electroretinograms in autism: a pilot study of b-wave amplitudes.1988; 145: 229–232.
2.
RitvoE.R., FreemanB.J., ScheibelA.B.Lower Purkinje cell counts in the cerebella of four autistic subjects: initial findings of the UCLA-NSAC autopsy research report.Am J Psychiatry1986; 143: 862–866.
3.
RitvoE.R., SpenceM.A., FreemanB.J.Evidence for autosomal inheritance of autism in 46 multiple incidence families.Am J Psychiatry1985; 142: 187–192.
4.
MullenR.J., La VailM.M.Two new types of retinal degeneration in cerebellar mutant mice.Nature1975; 258: 528–530.
5.
BersonE.L.Retinitis pigmentosa and allied diseases: applications of electroretinographic testing.Int Ophthalmol1981; 4: 7–22.
6.
ChatrainG.E., LettichE., NelsonP.L.Computer assisted quantitative electroretinography: I. A standardized method.Am J EEG Tech1980; 20: 57–77.
7.
TiemonS.B., ButlerK., NealeJ.H.N-acetylaspartylglutamate: a neuropeptide in the human visual system.JAMA1988; 259(13): 2020.
8.
BirchD., BersonE., SandbergM.A.Diurnal rhythm in the human rod ERG.Inv Ophthalmol Vis Sci1984; 25: 236–238.
