Antidepressants in water trigger autism genes in fish

[TalkingDog]

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn21882-antidepressants-in-drinking-water-may-contribute-to-autism.html

The concentration of these drugs in drinking water is very low – at most, they are present at levels several orders of magnitude lower than the prescription doses. But since the drugs are specifically designed to act on the nervous system, Thomas hypothesised that even a small dose could affect a developing fetus.

Thomas's group created a cocktail of the anti-epileptic drug carbamazepine and two selective serotonin uptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, fluoxetine and venlafaxine, at this low concentration. They exposed fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) to the drugs for 18 days, then analysed the genes that were being expressed in the fishes' brains.

Although the researchers had expected the drugs might activate genes involved in all kinds of neurological disorders, only 324 genes associated with autism in humans appeared to be significantly altered. Most of these genes are involved in early brain development and wiring.

The finding fits with previous research which had found that pregnant women who take SSRIs are slightly more likely to have autistic children. (Archives of General Psychiatry, DOI: 10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.73).

[The Wielding Truth]

1. Anyone think this to be a reason for the insane logic of the acceptance of RW insanity?

Maybe the water pollution has tampered with the nations reasoning skills?

[TalkingDog]

4. Well, if it's not getting filtered out, then it's staying in the water supply until it degrades

I have no idea if that even happens. Any chemists out there?

But yeah, you've got to imagine all the chemicals we take recycling through our drinking water system....horrifying is it not?

[HopeHoops]

2. Autistic fish? WTF?

I didn't even think an SSRI could HAVE an effect on fish.

[TalkingDog]

3. Why not? They have nervous systems too. And genes.

IDK, read the article. That's usually helpful.

[HopeHoops]

5. I just didn't ever consider the possibility. Weird science strikes again.