Background
The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) are
critical for mood regulation. Alterations in the white matter connections of these
regions may impair their role in mood regulation and increase the risk of developing
depression. This study used diffusion tensor imaging to examine for white matter microstructural
abnormalities of these regions and of central white matter structures in late-life
depression.
Methods
One hundred six elderly depressed subjects and eighty-four elderly nondepressed subjects
underwent clinical assessment and diffusion tensor imaging. The apparent diffusion
coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were measured in regions of interest
placed in the white matter of the DLPFC, ACC, corpus callosum, and internal capsule.
Differences between groups were assessed, controlling for age, sex, and total cerebral
volume.
Results
After controlling for covariates, depressed subjects had significantly lower FA values
in white matter of the right ACC, bilateral superior frontal gyri, and left middle
frontal gyrus. There were no significant differences in ADC values.
Conclusions
Lower FA, representing lower tissue organization, is observed in depressed elders
in the DLPFC and right ACC. These findings support the hypothesis that altered connectivity
between brain regions contributes to the risk of depression.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 31, 2006
Accepted:
March 14,
2006
Received in revised form:
March 12,
2006
Received:
December 12,
2005
Identification
Copyright
© 2006 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
