IL-6 is Increased in the Cerebellum of Autistic Brain and Alters Neural Cell Adhesion, Migration and Synaptic Formation

Although the cellular mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis of autism are not understood, a growing number of studies have suggested that localized inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS) may contribute to the development of autism…. Our results provide further evidence that aberrant IL-6 may be associated with autism…, the elevated IL-6 in the autistic brain could alter neural cell adhesion, migration and causes an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory circuits. Thus, increased IL-6 expression may be partially responsible for the pathogenesis of autism.

Abstract. Journal of neuroinflammation 2011; 8():52