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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra

Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra

Published on: September 8, 2021

Neuropathological changes in the nucleus basalis in schizophrenia.

M R Williams¹, R Marsh, C D Macdonald

¹King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK. Matthew.r.williams@imperial.ac.uk

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

|December 12, 2012

Summary

Severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and major depressive disorder show glial cell abnormalities in the nucleus basalis. These changes may contribute to cognitive and emotional disturbances in these conditions.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 16, 2026

Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra

Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra

Published on: September 8, 2021

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Psychiatry
Cell Biology

Background:

The nucleus basalis (NB) role in severe mental illness remains understudied.
Previous research indicates glial and neuronal changes in the cerebral cortex in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
The NB, a basal forebrain structure, is crucial for attention, learning, and memory, with serotonergic regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate glial cell morphology and density in the nucleus basalis in schizophrenia and major depressive disorder.
To compare neuroarchitecture and cell populations in the NB between patients and controls.

Main Methods:

Histological analysis of nucleus basalis sections from 41 individuals (schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, age-matched controls).
Staining for oligodendrocytes, general neuroarchitecture, and astrocytes (glial fibrillary acidic protein).
Quantitative analysis of cell density and neuroarchitecture using Image Pro Plus software.

Main Results:

Combined schizophrenia and major depressive disorder groups exhibited larger nucleus basalis oval neuron soma compared to controls.
A significant reduction in oligodendrocyte density was observed in the nucleus basalis in schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia and major depressive disorder showed a higher proportion of gemistocytic astrocytes relative to fibrillary astrocytes compared to controls.

Conclusions:

Glial cell abnormalities, including reduced oligodendrocytes and altered astrocyte ratios, are present in the nucleus basalis in schizophrenia and major depressive disorder.
These NB alterations may underlie cortical-limbic disturbances and subcortical dysfunction observed in these severe mental illnesses.