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Retrosplenial cortex connectivity in schizophrenia.
Robyn L Bluhm1, Jodi Miller, Ruth A Lanius
1Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Old Dominion University, BAL9013, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA.
Psychiatry Research
|September 29, 2009
Summary
Resting-state functional connectivity in the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Brain Imaging
Background:
- Schizophrenia is associated with altered resting-state functional connectivity.
- Previous research identified abnormalities in the default network in schizophrenia patients.
- The retrosplenial cortex's role in schizophrenia connectivity remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in retrosplenial cortex connectivity in schizophrenia patients.
- To examine connectivity with default network regions and memory-associated areas.
- To correlate connectivity patterns with positive symptom severity.
Main Methods:
- Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used.
- Connectivity of the retrosplenial cortex was analyzed in 17 schizophrenia patients and 17 healthy controls.
- Correlation analyses were performed between brain regions and symptom severity.
Main Results:
- Schizophrenia patients showed lower retrosplenial cortex correlations with temporal lobe and default network regions.
- Negative correlation observed between retrosplenial cortex and medial prefrontal cortex in patients.
- Increased connectivity between retrosplenial cortex and hallucination-associated areas (e.g., left superior temporal gyrus) correlated with positive symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Spontaneous activity and connectivity of the retrosplenial cortex are altered in schizophrenia.
- These alterations may underlie deficits in self-oriented processing.
- Findings highlight the retrosplenial cortex as a potential target for understanding schizophrenia pathophysiology.
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