Laboratory Testing and Treatment Protocols
Protocols for commonly used clinical tests and treatments are provided here. Note these are not to substitute for a doctors advice and guidance and are only given as examples. these protocols do not imply that any particular person should be treated with the outlined treatments.
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Laboratory Testing
Mitochondrial Cheek Swab Test (MITOSWAB)
This test measures three activity enzyme proteins in the powerhouse of the cells in your body known as the mitochondria. The three enzyme proteins are called citrate synthase, complex I and complex IV. There will also be a measurement of the total amount of protein collected by the swab to make sure that there is enough protein for a valid measurement. The activity of the three proteins that are measures can be normal, abnormally low or abnormally high. These measurements are complicated to interpret so you should discuss them with you doctor.
Folate Receptor Alpha Autoantibody Test (FRAT)
This test measures two proteins in the blood called autoantibodies whichinterfere with the ability of the vitamin folate to be used by the brain and other parts of the body.The two autoantibodies are called ‘blocking’ and ‘blinding’ and then each may be ‘negative’, ‘low’, ‘medium’ or ‘high.’
Autoimmune Brain Panel
This test measures the levels of four proteins called autoantibodies and the activity of one enzyme protein. The four autoantibodies are believed to attach to nerve cells in the brain and cause them to function abnormally while the activity of the enzyme known as CamKinase II is believe to interfere with the function of nerve cells if its activity is too high. These measurements are complicated to interpret so you should discuss them with you doctor.
Treatment Protocols
Propranolol
Propranolol is a blocker of beta-adrenergic receptor that acts both peripherally and centrally. Peripheral effects primarily target the autonomic nervous system where it affects primarily heart rate and blood pressure. Centrally targets include the wide spread norepinephrine circuits, including targets in the brainstem, cortex and most notably for ASD, amygdala. Propranolol has emerged as an interesting treatment for ASD that appears to improve social function