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The development concept of "endogenous psychoses"
Helmut Beckmann1, Hermann Jakob, Dieter Senitz
1Clinic and Polyclinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany. Beckmann_h@klinik.uni-wuerzburg.de
Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience
|April 28, 2006
Summary
Structural brain abnormalities, including enlarged ventricles and hypofrontality, are common in schizophrenia. This study investigates cytoarchitectural malformations in the entorhinal cortex and orbitofrontal cortex in schizophrenic patients, revealing differing magnitudes of these brain deviations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Brain Anatomy
Background:
- Endogenous psychoses, particularly schizophrenia, are associated with documented brain structural deviations.
- Enlarged lateral ventricles and hypofrontality (structural deficits in temporobasal and orbital frontal areas) are established findings in schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the cytoarchitecture of the entorhinal region and orbitofrontal cortex (Brodmann area 11) in schizophrenia.
- To investigate the nature and extent of malformations in these brain regions.
Main Methods:
- Serial sectioning of the rostral entorhinal cortex from both hemispheres in schizophrenic patients and normal controls.
- Detailed cytoarchitectural analysis of selected cases with distinct psychopathologies.
Main Results:
- The study identified heterotopic malformations in the entorhinal cortex and orbitofrontal cortex.
- These malformations varied in magnitude, occurring either bilaterally or unilaterally.
Conclusions:
- Cytoarchitectural malformations in the entorhinal cortex and orbitofrontal cortex are present in schizophrenia.
- The differing magnitude of these malformations may contribute to the diverse psychopathologies observed in schizophrenic patients.