Decreased pyramidal neuron size in Brodmann areas 44 and 45 in patients with autism.

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Version: author
Serval ID
serval:BIB_E8040ACDA312
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Decreased pyramidal neuron size in Brodmann areas 44 and 45 in patients with autism.
Journal
Acta Neuropathologica
Author(s)
Jacot-Descombes S., Uppal N., Wicinski B., Santos M., Schmeidler J., Giannakopoulos P., Heinsein H., Schmitz C., Hof P.R.
ISSN
1432-0533 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
0001-6322
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2012
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
124
Number
1
Pages
67-79
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article Publication Status: ppublish
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction and social communication, as well as by the presence of repetitive and stereotyped behaviors and interests. Brodmann areas 44 and 45 in the inferior frontal cortex, which are involved in language processing, imitation function, and sociality processing networks, have been implicated in this complex disorder. Using a stereologic approach, this study aims to explore the presence of neuropathological differences in areas 44 and 45 in patients with autism compared to age- and hemisphere-matched controls. Based on previous evidence in the fusiform gyrus, we expected to find a decrease in the number and size of pyramidal neurons as well as an increase in volume of layers III, V, and VI in patients with autism. We observed significantly smaller pyramidal neurons in patients with autism compared to controls, although there was no difference in pyramidal neuron numbers or layer volumes. The reduced pyramidal neuron size suggests that a certain degree of dysfunction of areas 44 and 45 plays a role in the pathology of autism. Our results also support previous studies that have shown specific cellular neuropathology in autism with regionally specific reduction in neuron size, and provide further evidence for the possible involvement of the mirror neuron system, as well as impairment of neuronal networks relevant to communication and social behaviors, in this disorder.
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Web of science
Create date
22/07/2012 21:54
Last modification date
20/08/2019 17:10
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