Structural abnormalities in gyri of the prefrontal cortex in individuals with schizophrenia and their unaffected siblings.
BACKGROUND
The relatives of individuals with schizophrenia exhibit deficits of overall frontal lobe volume, consistent with a genetic contribution to these deficits.


OBJECTIVE
To quantify the structure of gyral-defined subregions of prefrontal cortex in individuals with schizophrenia and their siblings.


METHODS
Grey matter volume, cortical thickness, and surface area of the superior, middle and inferior frontal gyri were measured in participants with schizophrenia and their unaffected (non-psychotic) siblings (n = 26 pairs), and controls and their siblings (n = 40 pairs).


RESULTS
Grey matter volume was reduced in the middle and inferior frontal gyri of individuals with schizophrenia, relative to controls. However, only inferior frontal gyrus volume was also reduced in the unaffected siblings of those with schizophrenia, yielding a volume intermediate between their affected siblings and controls.


CONCLUSIONS
The structure of subregions of the prefrontal cortex may be differentially influenced by genetic factors in schizophrenia, with inferior frontal gyrus volume being most related to familial risk.
Harms
Michael P
MP
Department of Psychiatry (Box 8134), Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St Louis, MO 63110, USA. mharms@conte.wustl.edu
Wang
Lei
L
Campanella
Carolina
C
Aldridge
Kristina
K
Moffitt
Amanda J
AJ
Kuelper
John
J
Ratnanather
J Tilak
JT
Miller
Michael I
MI
Barch
Deanna M
DM
Csernansky
John G
JG
D000293:Adolescent; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D035781:Siblings / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult