Parvalbumin-immunoreactive neurons are reduced in the prefrontal cortex of schizophrenics.
Recent studies have provided evidence for a functional impairment of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-containing interneurons in the prefrontal cortex of schizophrenics. This evidence includes reported deficits of basket and chandelier cells, which are known to contain the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin. Using a monoclonal antibody against parvalbumin we investigated possible changes in this subpopulation of neurons in the prefrontal cortex of schizophrenic cases and controls. Significantly reduced numbers of parvalbumin-immunoreactive neurons were observed in laminae III and IV, while no difference was detected in cortical width. Our findings are consistent with damage following a toxic insult, occurring during a developmental 'window of vulnerability' and specifically affecting this subpopulation of GABAergic neurons.
Beasley
C L
CL
Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, UK.
Reynolds
G P
GP
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007395:Interneurons / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D016555:Matched-Pair Analysis; D008875:Middle Aged; D009474:Neurons / Q000737:chemistry; D010320:Parvalbumins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000473:pathology*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology
D010320:Parvalbumins; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid