RDoC-based categorization of amygdala functions and its implications in autism

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Thomas Hennessey, Yerkes National Primate Research Center; Elissar Andari, Emory University; Donald Rainnie, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2018-07-01
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2018 Elsevier Ltd
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.04.007
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
• ISSN: 0149-7634
• Volume: 90
• Start Page: 115
• End Page: 129
• Grant/Funding Information: T. H. is supported by NIH grant 5P50MH100023-05; E.A. is supported by NIH grants 1P50MH100023 and P51OD11132 to YNPRC.; D. R. is supported by NIH grants 5P50MH100023-05, 5R01MH072908-12 and 5R01MH069852-12
• Keywords: Neurosciences & Neurology; SOCIAL ANXIETY; Science & Technology; PREFRONTAL CORTEX; Oxytocin; NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS; FETAL VALPROATE SYNDROME; Neurosciences; SPECTRUM DISORDER; BASOLATERAL AMYGDALA; Research domain criteria; Valproic acid; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Behavioral Sciences; Review; EMOTIONAL FACES; Autism; CONDITIONED FEAR; RECEPTOR GENE OXTR; Amygdala; EXCITATORY TRANSMISSION
• Research Categories: Psychology, Behavioral; Biology, Neuroscience

Abstract

Confusion endures as to the exact role of the amygdala in relation to autism. To help resolve this we turned to the NIMH's Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) which provides a classification schema that identifies different categories of behaviors that can turn pathologic in mental health disorders, e.g. autism. While RDoC incorporates all the known neurobiological substrates for each domain, this review will focus primarily on the amygdala. We first consider the amygdala from an anatomical, historical, and developmental perspective. Next, we examine the different domains and constructs of RDoC that the amygdala is involved in: Negative Valence Systems, Positive Valence Systems, Cognitive Systems, Social Processes, and Arousal and Regulatory Systems. Then the evidence for a dysfunctional amygdala in autism is presented with a focus on alterations in development, prenatal valproic acid exposure as a model for ASD, and changes in the oxytocin system therein. Finally, a synthesis of RDoC, the amygdala, and autism is offered, emphasizing the task of disambiguation and suggestions for future research.