[Structural changes in the neuropil of the frontal cortex in schizophrenia]

Samples of the prefrontal cortex neuropile autopsied from schizophrenic patients were subjected to electron microscopy. Dystrophic changes were found in the dendrites: pronounced swelling with microtubuli reduced in number or totally absent and mitochondria swollen. Synaptic changes were generally of a functional nature but presynaptic endings were found degenerating with a dense type. Myelinated fibers of various diameters showed pathologic changes. These findings are seen as a structural background for integrative and informative processes deterioration in the prefrontal cortex of schizophrenic patients.