ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we propose a model for autistic regression resulting from passage of toxicants into regions of brain unprotected by blood-brain barrier (BBB). These portals surround the primitive brainstem, a reportedly abnormal brain region in autistic subjects. We propose that toxicant-induced impairment of a speci c structure, the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) of the medulla, suf ciently accounts for the primary neurophysiological changes of autistic regression. Toxicant effects on other unprotected sites may explain associated abnormalities in autism, including altered melatonin and oxytocin production. In autistic regression, it is possible that brainstem is primary target for toxicant-induced in ammation, which rami es to higher structures in a pattern resembling the known stages of Parkinson disease (PD).
