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Primary visual cortex volume and total neuron number are reduced in schizophrenia
Karl-Anton Dorph-Petersen1, Joseph N Pierri, Qiang Wu
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
The Journal of Comparative Neurology
|January 18, 2007
Summary
Schizophrenia is linked to reduced primary visual cortex volume and neuron count. These structural changes in the visual system may explain processing impairments in schizophrenia patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Visual System Research
Background:
- Studies indicate visual processing impairments in schizophrenia.
- Functional imaging shows altered primary visual cortex (V1) activity in schizophrenia.
- Postmortem studies reveal increased neuronal density in V1 (Brodmann's area 17, BA17) in schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate structural changes in BA17 in schizophrenia.
- To quantify BA17 volume, neuron number, and cortical thickness using stereology.
- To compare these measures between individuals with schizophrenia and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Stereological methods (Cavalieri's principle, optical fractionator) were employed.
- Postmortem brains from 10 schizophrenia subjects and 10 matched controls were analyzed.
- Total volume, neuron number, and cortical thickness of BA17 were estimated.
Main Results:
- A significant 25% reduction in total neuron number in BA17 was observed in schizophrenia subjects.
- A significant 22% reduction in BA17 volume was found in the schizophrenia group.
- No significant differences in neuronal density or cortical thickness were detected between groups.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with schizophrenia exhibit a smaller BA17 volume and fewer neurons.
- These findings suggest a reduction in the cortical area dedicated to primary visual perception in schizophrenia.
- The results point to a potential schizophrenia-related alteration in cortical parcellation within the primary visual cortex.
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