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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 6, 2026

Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra
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Decreased synaptic and mitochondrial density in the postmortem anterior cingulate cortex in schizophrenia.

R C Roberts1, K A Barksdale1, J K Roche1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States.

Schizophrenia Research
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Summary

Schizophrenia (SZ) is linked to reduced synaptic density and fewer mitochondria in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). These brain changes may underlie cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia.

Keywords:
DopamineElectron microscopyGlutamateNeuropathologyPsychosis

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Schizophrenia (SZ) is a complex mental illness characterized by psychosis, negative symptoms, and cognitive deficits.
  • The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) shows structural and functional abnormalities in SZ.
  • Altered executive functions are a hallmark of SZ, suggesting underlying neurobiological changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare synaptic organization and mitochondrial characteristics in postmortem ACC tissue from individuals with SZ and normal controls (NC).
  • To investigate potential anatomical substrates for cognitive deficits observed in SZ.

Main Methods:

  • Postmortem analysis of anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) tissue from SZ patients and normal controls (NC).
  • Quantification of total synaptic density, including axospinous synapses (asymmetric/excitatory and symmetric/inhibitory).
  • Assessment of mitochondrial number, density, morphology, and proportion within axon terminals and neuronal somata across different ACC layers.

Main Results:

  • Total synaptic density in the ACC was reduced in SZ (72% of NC), primarily due to decreased axospinous synapses in layers 3 and 5/6.
  • Mitochondrial density in axon terminals was significantly lower in SZ (64% of NC), with layer-specific reductions.
  • Mitochondrial number per neuronal somata was decreased in SZ, particularly in layers 5-6, while mitochondrial size remained similar.

Conclusions:

  • The study reveals significant alterations in synaptic organization and mitochondrial content within the ACC in schizophrenia.
  • These neuroanatomical changes, particularly in synaptic and mitochondrial structures, may contribute to the executive function deficits seen in SZ.
  • The findings provide preliminary but robust evidence supporting an anatomical basis for cognitive impairments in schizophrenia.