Purinergic receptor activation rectifies autism-associated endothelial dysfunction.

Activation of P2Y2 purinergic receptors restores endothelial function and behavior in a mouse model of autism with a 16p11.2 deletion.

• Why it matters: Endothelial abnormalities in autism models can impair brain blood flow and neural function, but the underlying mechanisms and potential treatments remain unclear.
• What they did: Researchers examined brain endothelial cells from 16p11.2-deficient mice, finding bioenergetic failure with reduced ATP levels, and used ATP or receptor activation to rescue cell and vascular function.
• The result: P2Y2 receptor activation improved cerebrovascular reactivity, cerebral blood flow, and autism-like behaviors, suggesting metabolic reprogramming of endothelial cells as a promising therapy for ASD.