Well, Vanderbilt University Medical Center reports researchers have made an important finding by studying mice. It seems a lack of serotonin during development could lead to long-standing changes in the way the brain is "wired." These early disruptions in serotonin signaling in the brain may contribute to autism spectrum disorder and other enduring effects on behavior. Scientists are studying mice to explore how altered brain serotonin levels during development may produce long-lasting changes in behavior and impact the risk for autism.
Read more: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-03/vumc-nmm032012.php