Structure-function coupling changes and associated neurotransmitter systems in high-functioning ASD patients

Motivation: The alterations of structure-function couplings (SFC) in high-function autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their associations with neurotransmitter systems remain insufficiently elucidated. Goal(s): We aimed to investigate differences of SFC between ASD and typically developing controls (TDCs) and their relationships with neurotransmitter systems. Approach: The SFC was derived from T1-weighted images and resting-state fMRI. Two-sample t-tests were used for group comparisons, and Pearson correlations were applied to examine relationship between SFC and neurotransmitter density. Results: Decreased SFCs in the frontoparietal network were observed in high-function ASD compared to TDCs, correlating with specific neurotransmitter systems. Impact: Our findings suggested structure-function uncoupling in high-function ASD, which was associated with patients' communication dysfunction and specific neurotransmitters. This may offer a new perspective on elucidating the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of the dysfunctions in ASD.