Abstract
Background
Craniofacial abnormalities arising from gestational disturbances have been documented
in some schizophrenic patients. Reduction of thalamic neurons, a key feature of the
neuropathology of schizophrenia, could also have a prenatal origin via disruption
of thalamic neurogenesis. This study investigates whether craniofacial dysmorphology
and thalamic neuron loss might be associated manifestations of a disruption in embryonic
development.
Methods
Thalamic neurons were deleted by exposing fetal macaques to x-rays during thalamic
genesis (E33–42). Another group of macaques was irradiated after thalamic genesis
(E70–81). Body, head, and facial measurements were obtained from the early irradiated
(EX), late irradiated (LX), and control animals at adulthood.
Results
Head width, distance between outer eye edges, and ear width were smaller in EX macaques
compared with control animals. The LX macaques exhibited only reduced ear width compared
with control animals.
Conclusions
These findings indicate that certain features of thalamic neuropathology and craniofacial
dysmorphogenesis observed in schizophrenic patients may have a common etiology.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
February 10,
2002
Received in revised form:
February 1,
2002
Received:
October 15,
2001
Identification
Copyright
© 2002 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
