Dr. Woody McGinnis Brainstem Hypothesis: Autism by Poisoning

Brainstem Hypothesis: Autism by Poisoning

We propose a model for autistic regression due to passage of specific toxicants into regions of brain which remain permanently devoid of protective blood-brain barrier (BBB), normally mature elsewhere by 12 months of age. These portals surround the primitive brainstem, a mostly overlooked but highly abnormal brain region in autism. Toxicant-induced impairment of one such portal, the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) of the medulla, would seem to account for the primary neurophysiological changes of autistic regression: loss of vocalization, loss of social function, gastrointestinal abnormality. Toxicant effects on other unprotected sites may explain associated abnormalities in autism, including altered melatonin and oxytocin production. Cadmium, mercury, monosodium glutamate (MSG), paraquat, fluoride, and endotoxin (LPS) from bacterial die-off exemplify a broad class of neurotoxicants with preferential uptake in the vulnerable areas of brain. These compounds share similar oxidative and inflammatory modes of injury, and increasing human exposure to them parallels the historical course of autism. Their convergence on like areas of brain presents the possibility of combined or sequential toxicity in autistic regression. As in the established stages of Parkinson's disease (PD), primary injury in autistic regression may occur in brainstem, followed by ramification to higher areas of brain.

Woody McGinnis, MD is director of research and education at the Autism House in Auckland, New Zealand. His son's response to nutritional intervention some 15 years ago lead to a consuming interest in the biological basis of autism. McGinnis transitioned from clinical practice to full-time research 10 years ago. His numerous publications established McGinnis as a leading authority on oxidative stress in autism. The oxidative stress findings stimulated his current primary interest in the role of toxins in autism. His North American research team has a strong background in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease and ongoing support by the Autism Research Institute.

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