The Laboratory of Autism Neuroscience utilizes a wide array of methods investigating the neuropathology and neuropharmacology of autism. We use standard Nissl stains that stain the cytoarchitecture of brain areas and we conduct detailed analyses of serial sections for abnormalities in cell size, packing density and number. For cell counting, stereology is used on computer linked microscopes with software packages. We utilize immunocytochemistry to label proteins on specific cell types and fibers. Two examples are found in Figures 1 and 2 in the lab overview part of this web site identifying cerebellar Purkinje cells expressing calbindin, a calcium binding protein (Figure 1) and GABA transporter or uptake sites (GAT-1) around Purkinje cells (Figure 2). This year we are using in situ hybridization in collaboration with our colleague, Dr. Jean-Jacques Soghomonian to look at the expression of various GABA markers in the autistic cerebellum. We obtain fresh-frozen or fixed brain blocks from brain banks for our studies.