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Altered cerebral perfusion measured by SPECT in relatives of patients with schizophrenia

Correlations with memory and P300

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2018

Douglas H. R. Blackwood ,
Mike F. Glabus ,
Julie Dunan ,
Ronan E. O'Carroll ,
Walter J. Muir  and
Klaus P. Ebmeier
Douglas H. R. Blackwood*
Affiliation:
Edinburgh University Department of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh
Mike F. Glabus
Affiliation:
Edinburgh University Department of Medical Physics, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh and MRC Brain Metabolism Unit, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh
Julie Dunan
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Psychology, Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow
Ronan E. O'Carroll
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of St Andrews
Walter J. Muir
Affiliation:
Edinburgh University Department of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh
Klaus P. Ebmeier
Affiliation:
Edinburgh University Department of Psychiatry and MRC Brain Metabolism Unit, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh
*
Professor D. H. R. Blackwood, Edinburgh University Department of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park, Edinburgh EH10 5HF. Tel: 0131 537 6000; Fax: 0131 537 6259; e-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background

Genetic studies in schizophrenia are hampered by the complex heterogeneous clinical phenotype. Biological variables identified as trait markers of risk could clarify the mode of inheritance, define clinical subgroups and provide clues about aetiology.

Aims

To use single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to compare brain perfusion maps in patients with schizophrenia (n=19), their asymptomatic ‘high-risk’ relatives (n=36) and control subjects (n=34) and to examine the relationships between imaging, memory and P300 event-related potential.

Method

SPECT, memory tests and P300 recording were carried out.

Results

In the patients with schizophrenia and their relatives, perfusion was reduced in left inferior prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortex and increased bilaterally in a subcortical region. Perfusion significantly correlated with verbal memory and P300 amplitude in left inferior prefrontal cortex and with P300 latency in anterior cingulate cortex.

Conclusions

Medication– and symptom-free relatives had altered regional perfusion intermediate between subjects with schizophrenia and controls. Impaired perfusion, verbal memory and P300 appear to be related traits associated with an increased risk of illness.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 175 , Issue 4 , October 1999 , pp. 357 - 366
Copyright
Copyright © 1999 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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Footnotes

Declaration of interest

Funded by the Medical Research Council and the Scottish Office.

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