Abnormal cerebral effective connectivity during explicit emotional processing in adults with autism spectrum disorder.
Several recent studies suggest that autism may result from abnormal communication between brain regions. We directly assessed this hypothesis by testing the presence of abnormalities in a model of the functional cerebral network engaged during explicit emotion processing in adults with high functioning autism or Asperger syndrome. Comparison of structural equation models revealed abnormal patterns of effective connectivity, with the prefrontal cortex as a key site of dysfunction. These findings provide evidence that abnormal long-range connectivity between structures of the 'social brain' could explain the socio-emotional troubles that characterize the autistic pathology.
Wicker
Bruno
B
Mediterranean Institute of Cognitive Neurosciences, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de la Méditerranée, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13402 Marseille Cedex 20, France. wicker@incm.cnrs-mrs.fr
Fonlupt
Pierre
P
Hubert
Bénédicte
B
Tardif
Carole
C
Gepner
Bruno
B
Deruelle
Christine
C
D000328:Adult; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology*; D005149:Facial Expression; D005260:Female; D005403:Fixation, Ocular / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology*; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D021641:Recognition, Psychology / Q000502:physiology; D012016:Reference Values; D012919:Social Behavior; D012938:Social Perception; D055815:Young Adult