Auditory verbal hallucination and the auditory network: From molecules to connectivity

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) are common in psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia (SCZ).
• Functional imaging links AVHs to auditory cortex hyperactivity and disrupted auditory-verbal network activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review findings on AVH pathogenesis in SCZ patients and animal models.
• To examine the roles of the auditory cortex, prefrontal cortex (PFC), and associated networks.
• To discuss synaptic structures, molecular mechanisms, and potential therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

• Review of functional imaging studies in human AVH patients.
• Analysis of data from animal models of schizophrenia.
• Investigation of mesoscale connectivity, local activity, synaptic structure, and molecular mechanisms.

Main Results:

• AVHs are associated with hyperactivity in the auditory cortex and altered activity in the auditory-verbal network.
• Dysregulation in synaptic structures and molecular pathways within the auditory and prefrontal cortices are implicated.
• Animal models offer insights into auditory pathway disruptions relevant to AVH, despite limitations in replicating human AVH.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the neural and molecular underpinnings of AVHs is crucial for developing effective treatments.
• Synaptic and molecular targets identified in SCZ models may hold therapeutic potential for AVHs.
• Further research integrating human and animal data is needed to refine treatment strategies for AVHs.