μ Opioid Modulation of Sensorimotor Functional Connectivity in Autism: Insights From a Pharmacological Neuroimaging Investigation Using Tianeptine
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Reproducible patterns of atypical functional connectivity (FC) of sensorimotor and higher-order networks have previously been identified in the autistic brain. However, the neurosignaling pathways underpinning these differences remain unclear. The μ opioid system is involved in sensory processing as well as social and reward behaviors and has been implicated in autism, suggesting a potential role in shaping the autistic brain. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that there is atypical involvement of the μ opioid system in these networks in autism. Methods: = 21) males on FC of sensorimotor and frontoparietal networks. Results: We found that tianeptine increased FC of a sensorimotor network previously characterized by atypically low FC in autism. The connectivity of the frontoparietal network was not significantly shifted. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that μ opioid neurosignaling may contribute to functional brain differences in the sensorimotor network in autism. Given that sensorimotor system alterations are thought to be central to autism and contribute to other core autistic features, as well as adaptability and mental health, further research is warranted to explore the translational potential of μ opioid modulation in autism.
Authors: Mihail Dimitrov, Nichol M.L. Wong, Sydney Leaman, Lucas G.S. França, Ioannis Valasakis, Jason He, David J. Lythgoe, James L. Findon, Robert H. Wichers, Vladimira Stoencheva, Dene M. Robertson, Sarah Blainey, Glynis Ivin, Štefan Holiga, Mark D. Tricklebank, Dafnis Batalle, Declan G.M. Murphy, Gráinne M. McAlonan, Eileen Daly
Institutions: King's College London, Education University of Hong Kong, MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Medical Research Council, Northumbria University, Deakin University, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, Roche (Switzerland), NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,700
Funders: Autism Speaks, National Institute on Handicapped Research, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Northumbria University, European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, LGS Foundation, Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, National Institute for Health and Care Research, Department of Health and Social Care, King's College London, European Commission, Deakin University, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Education University of Hong Kong, Innovative Medicines Initiative, Medical Research Council Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, Medical Research Council, Menzies Centre for Australian Studies, King's College London, University of London, NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Division of Materials Research
OpenAlex ID: W4416998536