Schizophrenia as a disorder of disconnectivity

Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2011 Nov;261 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):S150-4. doi: 10.1007/s00406-011-0242-2. Epub 2011 Aug 25.

Abstract

Schizophrenia is considered as a neurodevelopmental disorder with genetic and environmental factors playing a role. Animal models show that developmental hippocampal lesions are causing disconnectivity of the prefrontal cortex. Magnetic resonance imaging and postmortem investigations revealed deficits in the temporoprefrontal neuronal circuit. Decreased oligodendrocyte numbers and expression of oligodendrocyte genes and synaptic proteins may contribute to disturbances of micro- and macro-circuitry in the pathophysiology of the disease. Functional connectivity between cortical areas can be investigated with high temporal resolution using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroencephalography (EEG), and magnetoencephalography (MEG). In this review, disconnectivity between different cortical areas in schizophrenia patients is described. The specificity and the neurobiological origin of these connectivity deficits and the relation to the symptom complex of schizophrenia and the glutamatergic and GABAergic system are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / pathology*
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Brain Mapping / methods
  • Electroencephalography
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Magnetoencephalography
  • Neural Pathways / pathology*
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism
  • Schizophrenia / pathology*
  • Schizophrenia / physiopathology*
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Substances

  • Neurotransmitter Agents