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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
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Measurement of Fronto-limbic Activity Using an Emotional Oddball Task in Children with Familial High Risk for Schizophrenia
Published on: December 2, 2015
No differences in calcium-binding protein immunoreactivity in the posterior cingulate and visual cortex:
David G Wheeler1, Gavin Dixon, Clive G Harper
1Neuroscience Institute of Schizophrenia and Allied Disorders (NISAD), Sydney, Australia. wheeler@med.USyd.Edu.au
Summary
This study found no significant differences in calbindin-ir neurons in the posterior cingulate cortex of individuals with schizophrenia compared to controls. These findings suggest this brain region may not be implicated in schizophrenia pathology concerning these specific neurons.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Schizophrenia is associated with altered interneuron densities in various cortical regions.
- Calbindin (Cb) is a calcium-binding protein found in specific interneuron populations.
- The posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) has not been previously investigated for Cb-ir neuron differences in schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the density of Cb-ir neurons, cortical layer width, and neuronal size in the PCC between schizophrenia patients and controls.
- To investigate potential neurobiological differences in the PCC relevant to schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry using calbindin antibodies was performed on postmortem brain tissue from Brodmann's areas (BA) 30 and 23, and visual cortex (BA 18).
- Cb-ir neurons and total neurons were quantified using stereological methods.
- Neuronal somal areas and cortical layer widths were also measured.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in the relative density of Cb-ir neurons between schizophrenia patients and controls in BA 23 or BA 18.
- A non-significant trend (P=0.0518) suggested higher Cb-ir neuron density in controls compared to schizophrenia patients in BA 30.
- No significant differences were observed in cortical layer width or Cb-ir neuron somal areas.
Conclusions:
- The posterior cingulate cortex may not be significantly involved in schizophrenia, at least concerning calbindin-ir neurons.
- Further research may be needed to explore other interneuron populations or brain regions in schizophrenia.
