[Ultrastructure of the synapses of the anterior limbic cortex in schizophrenia]

Autopsied anterior limbic cortex (field 24) was investigated in order to provide an electron microscopic characterization of spine and dendrite synapses. Major changes of synapses were detected in I-II layers of anterior limbic cortex. Heterogeneity of axon terminals increased as the active zone increased in length. In a part of synapses terminal swelling was accompanied by a reduction of the synaptic vesicles count. Other synapses increased the vesicles quantity with mitochondria collapsing and disappearing. Rare synaptic contacts had patterns similar to Waller degeneration. "Membrane structures" frequently occurred next to axon terminals. Some of postsynaptic dendrites were altered: their swelling and lack of microtubules were evident. The changes observed in the synapses of anterior limbic cortex in schizophrenic patients are believed unspecific.