Assessments of Function and Biochemistry of the Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Schizophrenia

Abstract

Background-Neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies have consistently provided evidence of impairment in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)/medial frontal cortex (MFC) function in people with schizophrenia. In this study, we sought to clarify the nature of this abnormality by combining proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H-MRS) with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at 3T.

Arterial spin labeling in patients with schizophrenia: a systematic review

“…Clinically, these functions are impaired in schizophrenia patients. Convergent results of decreased rCBF in the ACC are consistent with clinical observations and other imaging studies 18 .…”

Is there Evidence for Neurotoxicity in the Prodromal and Early Stages of Schizophrenia?

“…Nevertheless, this study suggests that high levels of glutamate measured in the precommissural dorsal-caudate nucleus, a region with prominent projections throughout the cortical mantle, could induce cortical neuronal toxicity leading to a progressive functional and intellectual deterioration. Because there is preliminary evidence that stable medicated subjects either do not show a difference or evidence a decrease in glutamate levels compared with normal subjects (de la Fuente-Sandoval et al, 2011;Reid et al, 2010), it is tempting to hypothesize that a time-limited neurotoxic process may characterize the prodromal period and the early stages of the illness. Although more research is needed in this area, this suggests the possibility of curtailing functional deterioration by intervening therapeutically during the early stages.…”

Glutamate and bioenergetic abnormalities in the emergence and evolution of schizophrenia

“…Briefly, the evidence suggests hypofunction of the NMDA receptor, which leads to reduced GABAergic interneuron stimulation but upregulated AMPA receptor signaling. In MRS studies, glutamate metabolite levels vary with the level of negative symptoms (12), cognitive deficits (13), and global functioning (14). These provide direct evidence that Gln/ Glu changes predictably with manipulation of synaptic activity.…”