51
|
Thoma P, Johann K, Wähner A, Juckel G, Daum I. Recollective experience in alcohol dependence: a laboratory study. Addiction 2008; 103:1969-78. [PMID: 19469740 DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2008.02374.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Alcohol dependence has been linked to dysfunction of fronto-temporo-striatal circuits which mediate memory and executive function. The present study aimed to explore the specificity of recognition memory changes in alcohol dependence. DESIGN setting and participants Twenty hospitalized alcohol-dependent detoxified patients and 20 healthy control subjects completed a verbal list discrimination task. Measurements Hits and false alarm rates were analysed. Additionally, both the dual process signal detection model (DPSD) and the process dissociation procedure (PDP) were used to derive estimates of the contribution of recollection and familiarity processes to the recognition memory performance in patients and controls. FINDINGS Alcohol-dependent patients showed intact hit rates, but increased false alarm rates and an impaired ability to remember the learning context. Both the DPSD model and PDP estimates yielded significantly reduced recollection estimates in the alcohol-dependent compared to control subjects. Whether or not familiarity was impaired, depended upon the sensitivity of the estimation procedure. CONCLUSION Taken together, the result pattern suggests a significant impairment in recollection and mild familiarity changes in recently detoxified, predominantly male, alcohol-dependent subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Thoma
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Neuropsychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
52
|
Patrick CJ. Psychophysiological correlates of aggression and violence: an integrative review. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2008; 363:2543-55. [PMID: 18434285 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2008.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews existing psychophysiological studies of aggression and violent behaviour including research employing autonomic, electrocortical and neuroimaging measures. Robust physiological correlates of persistent aggressive behaviour evident in this literature include low baseline heart rate, enhanced autonomic reactivity to stressful or aversive stimuli, enhanced EEG slow wave activity, reduced P300 brain potential response and indications from structural and functional neuroimaging studies of dysfunction in frontocortical and limbic brain regions that mediate emotional processing and regulation. The findings are interpreted within a conceptual framework that draws on two integrative models in the literature. The first is a recently developed hierarchical model of impulse control (externalizing) problems, in which various disinhibitory syndromes including aggressive and addictive behaviours of different kinds are seen as arising from common as well as distinctive aetiologic factors. This model represents an approach to organizing these various interrelated phenotypes and investigating their common and distinctive aetiologic substrates. The other is a neurobiological model that posits impairments in affective regulatory circuits in the brain as a key mechanism for impulsive aggressive behaviour. This model provides a perspective for integrating findings from studies employing different measures that have implicated varying brain structures and physiological systems in violent and aggressive behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Patrick
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Elliott Hall, 75 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Müller JL, Gänssbauer S, Sommer M, Döhnel K, Weber T, Schmidt-Wilcke T, Hajak G. Gray matter changes in right superior temporal gyrus in criminal psychopaths. Evidence from voxel-based morphometry. Psychiatry Res 2008; 163:213-22. [PMID: 18662867 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2007.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2006] [Revised: 08/14/2007] [Accepted: 08/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
"Psychopathy" according to the PCL-R describes a specific subgroup of antisocial personality disorder with a high risk for criminal relapses. Lesion and imaging studies point towards frontal or temporal brain regions connected with disturbed social behavior, antisocial personality disorder (APD) and psychopathy. Morphologically, some studies described a reduced prefrontal brain volume, whereas others reported on temporal lobe atrophy. To further investigate whether participants with psychopathy according to the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised Version (PCL-R) show abnormalities in brain structure, we used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to investigate region-specific changes in gray matter in 17 forensic male inpatients with high PCL-R scores (PCL-R>28) and 17 male control subjects with low PCL-R scores (PCL<10). We found significant gray matter reductions in frontal and temporal brain regions in psychopaths compared with controls. In particular, we found a highly significant volume loss in the right superior temporal gyrus. This is the first study to show that psychopathy is associated with a decrease in gray matter in both frontal and temporal brain regions, in particular in the right superior temporal gyrus, supporting the hypothesis that a disturbed frontotemporal network is critically involved in the pathogenesis of psychopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen L Müller
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Von Siebold Str. 5, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
54
|
Makris N, Oscar-Berman M, Kim S, Hodge SM, Kennedy DN, Caviness VS, Marinkovic K, Breiter HC, Gasic GP, Harris GJ. Decreased volume of the brain reward system in alcoholism. Biol Psychiatry 2008; 64:192-202. [PMID: 18374900 PMCID: PMC2572710 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2008.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2007] [Revised: 12/26/2007] [Accepted: 01/16/2008] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reinforcement of behavioral responses involves a complex cerebral circuit engaging specific neuronal networks that are modulated by cortical oversight systems affiliated with emotion, memory, judgment, and decision making (collectively referred to in this study as the "extended reward and oversight system" or "reward network"). We examined whether reward-network brain volumes are reduced in alcoholics and how volumes of subcomponents within this system are correlated with memory and drinking history. METHODS Morphometric analysis was performed on magnetic resonance brain scans in 21 abstinent long-term chronic alcoholic men and 21 healthy control men, group-matched on age, verbal IQ, and education. We derived volumes of total brain and volumes of cortical and subcortical reward-related structures including the dorsolateral-prefrontal, orbitofrontal, cingulate cortices, and the insula, as well as the amygdala, hippocampus, nucleus accumbens septi (NAc), and ventral diencephalon. RESULTS Morphometric analyses of reward-related regions revealed decreased total reward-network volume in alcoholic subjects. Volume reduction was most pronounced in right dorsolateral-prefrontal cortex, right anterior insula, and right NAc, as well as left amygdala. In alcoholics, NAc and anterior insula volumes increased with length of abstinence, and total reward-network and amygdala volumes correlated positively with memory scores. CONCLUSIONS The observation of decreased reward-network volume suggests that alcoholism is associated with alterations in this neural reward system. These structural reward system deficits and their correlation with memory scores elucidate underlying structural-functional relationships between alcoholism and emotional and cognitive processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikos Makris
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center, Harvard Medical School Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry and Radiology Services, Center for Morphometric Analysis, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129,VA Healthcare System, Boston Campus, and Boston University School of Medicine, Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Marlene Oscar-Berman
- VA Healthcare System, Boston Campus, and Boston University School of Medicine, Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Sharon Kim
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center, Harvard Medical School Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry and Radiology Services, Center for Morphometric Analysis, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129,Radiology Computer Aided Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Steven M. Hodge
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center, Harvard Medical School Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry and Radiology Services, Center for Morphometric Analysis, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129,Radiology Computer Aided Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114
| | - David N. Kennedy
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center, Harvard Medical School Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry and Radiology Services, Center for Morphometric Analysis, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129
| | - Verne S. Caviness
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center, Harvard Medical School Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry and Radiology Services, Center for Morphometric Analysis, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129
| | - Ksenija Marinkovic
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center, Harvard Medical School Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry and Radiology Services, Center for Morphometric Analysis, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129
| | - Hans C. Breiter
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center, Harvard Medical School Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry and Radiology Services, Center for Morphometric Analysis, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129
| | - Gregory P. Gasic
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center, Harvard Medical School Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry and Radiology Services, Center for Morphometric Analysis, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129
| | - Gordon J. Harris
- Radiology Computer Aided Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Bossini L, Tavanti M, Calossi S, Lombardelli A, Polizzotto NR, Galli R, Vatti G, Pieraccini F, Castrogiovanni P. Magnetic resonance imaging volumes of the hippocampus in drug-naïve patients with post-traumatic stress disorder without comorbidity conditions. J Psychiatr Res 2008; 42:752-62. [PMID: 17892884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2007.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2007] [Revised: 08/06/2007] [Accepted: 08/07/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Most brain imaging studies have showed smaller hippocampal volume in adults with chronic PTSD; however, some other studies have not replicated this finding. Most of these investigations included subjects with other psychiatric comorbidities, such as major depression or alcohol abuse. The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in PTSD is generally high and this makes it difficult, if not impossible, to disentangle the contribution of other disorders to hippocampal volume. Therefore, the main goal of the current study is to compare hippocampal volumes of healthy subjects and drug-naïve patients with PTSD caused by different types of mixed civilian traumas (i.e. car accident, physical abuse, sudden death of a family member, assault or robbery, natural disaster and traumatic abortion) and without comorbidity conditions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to measure the hippocampi, total cerebrum, gray matter, white matter and cerebrospinal fluid volumes in 34 patients with single diagnosis of PTSD, and 34 case-matched non-PTSD comparison subjects. The patients with single diagnosis of PTSD had an 11.8% smaller left hippocampus (p<0.001) and an 8.7% smaller right hippocampus (p=0.003) than the healthy controls. The results were controlled for the total brain volume and for gray matter volumes. Subjects with PTSD also displayed lower overall gray matter volume (p=0.006). There were no significant correlations between hippocampal volumes and illness duration or severity of PTSD. The findings indicate the presence of smaller hippocampal volumes in drug-naïve patients with single diagnosis of PTSD, compared with healthy subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Bossini
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Siena School of Medicine, Viale Bracci 1, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
56
|
Sachdev PS, Chen X, Wen W, Anstey KJ. Light to moderate alcohol use is associated with increased cortical gray matter in middle-aged men: a voxel-based morphometric study. Psychiatry Res 2008; 163:61-9. [PMID: 18407470 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2007.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2007] [Revised: 08/22/2007] [Accepted: 08/23/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We examined the associations of current alcohol consumption with brain morphometric measures in a healthy, community-dwelling cohort. Cranial T1-weighted 3D-structural MRI scans were obtain in 383 adults (men=211) aged 60-64 years, randomly selected form the larger PATH Through Life study. Voxel-based morphometric analyses were applied to detect regional gray matter and white matter volume changes related to reported weekly alcohol consumption (mean 7.04+/-8.15 drinks per week). Alcohol consumption in men had a linear association with greater gray matter in bilateral superior and medial frontal gyrus, bilateral middle occipital gyrus, right inferior parietal gyrus, bilateral precentral gyrus, left paracentral gyrus, left uncus and left inferior occipital gyrus, and with lesser white matter in bilateral superior temporal and left parahippocampal gyrus, after adjustment for age, education, total intracranial volume, smoking, hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. In women, there was no significant linear association between alcohol consumption and total or regional brain volumes. Our results showed a dose-related, sexually dimorphic impact of alcohol on brain tissue volumes independent of cerebrovascular risk factors. These findings are consistent with an inverse-U association between alcohol use and brain morphometry, while suggesting an increased vulnerability of white matter to alcohol-related brain damage.
Collapse
|
57
|
Nixon K, Kim DH, Potts EN, He J, Crews FT. Distinct cell proliferation events during abstinence after alcohol dependence: microglia proliferation precedes neurogenesis. Neurobiol Dis 2008; 31:218-29. [PMID: 18585922 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2008.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2008] [Revised: 03/12/2008] [Accepted: 04/21/2008] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive alcohol intake characteristic of Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) produces neurodegeneration that may recover with abstinence. The mechanism of regeneration is unclear, however neurogenesis from neural stem/progenitor cells is a feasible mechanism of structural plasticity. Therefore, a timecourse of cell proliferation was examined in a rat model of an AUD and showed a striking burst in cell proliferation at 2 days of abstinence preceding the previously reported neurogenic proliferation at 7 days. New cells at 2 days, assessed by bromo-deoxy-uridine incorporation and endogenous markers, were observed throughout hippocampus and cortex. Although the majority of these new cells did not become neurons, neurogenesis was not altered at this specific time point. These new cells expressed a microglia-specific marker, Iba-1, and survived at least 2 months. This first report of microglia proliferation in a model of an AUD suggests that microgliosis could contribute to volume recovery in non-neurogenic regions during abstinence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Nixon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Kentucky, College of Pharmacy, 725 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536-0082, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
58
|
Basoglu C, Semiz U, Oner O, Gunay H, Ebrinc S, Cetin M, Sildiroglu O, Algul A, Ates A, Sonmez G. A magnetic resonance spectroscopy study of antisocial behaviour disorder, psychopathy and violent crime among military conscripts. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2008; 20:72-7. [PMID: 25385466 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-5215.2008.00271.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prefrontal and/or temporo-limbic abnormalities associated with antisocial personality disorder (APD), high psychopathy scores and violent behaviours can readily be evaluated by neuroimaging methods. OBJECTIVES In this study, we compared the brain metabolites in adult male military conscripts with APD, high psychopathy scores and serious violent crimes (n = 15) with age- and educational-level-matched healthy controls (n = 15) by means of magnetic resonance spectroscopy. METHODS All cases were diagnosed by means of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual-IV APD module of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM III-R Axis II Disorders (SCID-II) semistructured questionnaire in Turkish. The psychopathy scores were evaluated by means of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised translated into Turkish (PCL-R). PCL-R is a 20-item, reliable and valid instrument for assessment of psychopathy, both in categorical and dimensional natures. All patients had a total score of 29 (of possible 40) or higher from PCL-R, indicating a high degree of psychopathy. RESULTS Our results showed no significant differences in ratio of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), creatine (Cr) and choline-related compounds in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and amygdala-hippocampus regions of cases compared with controls. ACC NAA/Cr was significantly negatively correlated with both the PCL-R total score and the PCL-R factor I score (interpersonal/affective problems) among the cases. CONCLUSION As ACC plays an important role in decision-making and emotional information processing, we postulate that the lower NAA/Cr ratio, suggesting impaired neural integrity, may increase the severity of interpersonal/affective problems of the psychopathy factor in male subjects exhibiting APD, high psychopathy overall scores and violent crimes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cengiz Basoglu
- 1Department of Psychiatry, GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Umit Semiz
- 1Department of Psychiatry, GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Oner
- 2Department of Psychiatry, Diskapi State Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Gunay
- 3Department of Psychiatry, Etimesgut Veteran Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Servet Ebrinc
- 1Department of Psychiatry, GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mesut Cetin
- 1Department of Psychiatry, GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Onur Sildiroglu
- 4Department of Radiology, GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayhan Algul
- 1Department of Psychiatry, GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alpay Ates
- 1Department of Psychiatry, GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Guner Sonmez
- 4Department of Radiology, GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Abstract
Alcohol is a well-known cytotoxic agent which causes various kinds of neuronal damage. In spite of thousands of published studies, the true mechanism of alcohol-induced neuronal damage remains unclear. Neurogenesis is the generation of neurons from neural stem cells (NSCs) and occurs in predominantly two regions of the brain, the subventricular zone and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. NSCs are the self-renewing, multipotent precursor cells of neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system. Recent studies have begun to illuminate the role of neurogenesis in the biological and cellular basis of psychiatric disorders and several clinical symptoms seen in alcoholism such as depression, cognitive impairment, underlying stress and brain atrophy have been linked to impaired neurogenesis. Heavy alcohol consumption decreases neurogenesis in animals, while in vitro studies have shown decreased generation of new neurons after alcohol exposure. These findings suggest that decreased neurogenesis is important in the pathophysiology of alcoholism. Neurogenesis can be divided into four stages; proliferation, migration, differentiation and survival. Our in vitro studies on NSCs showed that alcohol decreased neuronal differentiation at doses lower than those that affected cell survival and suggested that neuron-restrictive silencer factor, or repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (NRSF/REST) could be involved in alcohol-induced inhibition of neuronal differentiation. In an animal model of fetal alcohol effects behavioral symptoms improved after NSC transplantation. Neurogenesis could be the target for new strategies to treat alcohol related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Tateno
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Saito
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Gazdzinski S, Durazzo TC, Yeh PH, Hardin D, Banys P, Meyerhoff DJ. Chronic cigarette smoking modulates injury and short-term recovery of the medial temporal lobe in alcoholics. Psychiatry Res 2008; 162:133-45. [PMID: 18178068 PMCID: PMC2270338 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2007.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2006] [Revised: 02/16/2007] [Accepted: 04/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Memory function is largely mediated by the medial temporal lobe (MTL), and its compromise has been observed in alcohol dependence and chronic cigarette smoking. The effects of heavy alcohol consumption and chronic smoking on hippocampal volumes and MTL metabolites and their recovery during abstinence from alcohol have not been assessed. Male alcoholics in treatment (ALC) [13 smokers (sALC) and 11 non-smokers (nsALC)] underwent quantitative magnetic resonance imaging and short-echo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging at 1 week and 1 month of sobriety. Outcome measures were compared with 14 age-matched, non-smoking light-drinkers and were related to visuospatial learning and memory. Over 1 month of abstinence, N-acetyl-aspartate, a neuronal marker, and membrane-associated choline-containing metabolites normalized in the MTL of nsALC subjects, but remained low in the MTL of sALC subjects. Metabolite concentration changes in both groups were associated with improvements in visuospatial memory. Hippocampal volumes increased in both groups during abstinence, but increasing volumes correlated with visuospatial memory improvements only in nsALC subjects. In summary, chronic cigarette smoking in alcohol-dependent men appears to have adverse effects on MTL metabolite recovery during short-term sobriety. These data may also have implications for other conditions with established MTL involvement and significant smoking co-morbidity, such as schizophrenia-spectrum and mood disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Gazdzinski
- Magnetic Resonance Unit, San Francisco Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States.
| | - Timothy C. Durazzo
- Magnetic Resonance Unit, San Francisco Veterans Administration Medical Center
| | - Ping-Hong Yeh
- Magnetic Resonance Unit, San Francisco Veterans Administration Medical Center
| | - Dawn Hardin
- Magnetic Resonance Unit, San Francisco Veterans Administration Medical Center
| | - Peter Banys
- Department of Radiology University of California San Francisco,Department of Psychiatry University of California San Francisco
| | - Dieter J. Meyerhoff
- Magnetic Resonance Unit, San Francisco Veterans Administration Medical Center,Department of Radiology University of California San Francisco
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Yang Y, Glenn AL, Raine A. Brain abnormalities in antisocial individuals: implications for the law. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2008; 26:65-83. [PMID: 18327831 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing popularity in the use of brain imaging on antisocial individuals, an increasing number of brain imaging studies have revealed structural and functional impairments in antisocial, psychopathic, and violent individuals. This review summarizes key findings from brain imaging studies on antisocial/aggressive behavior. Key regions commonly found to be impaired in antisocial populations include the prefrontal cortex (particularly orbitofrontal and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), superior temporal gyrus, amygdala-hippocampal complex, and anterior cingulate cortex. Key functions of these regions are reviewed to provide a better understanding on how deficits in these regions may predispose to antisocial behavior. Objections to the use of imaging findings in a legal context are outlined, and alternative perspectives raised. It is argued that brain dysfunction is a risk factor for antisocial behavior and that it is likely that imaging will play an increasing (albeit limited) role in legal decision-making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Yang
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-1061, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
62
|
Müller JL, Sommer M, Döhnel K, Weber T, Schmidt-Wilcke T, Hajak G. Disturbed prefrontal and temporal brain function during emotion and cognition interaction in criminal psychopathy. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2008; 26:131-150. [PMID: 18327826 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Impaired emotional responsiveness has been revealed as a hallmark of psychopathy. In spite of an increasing database on emotion processing, studies on cognitive function and in particular on the impact of emotion on cognition in psychopathy are rare. We used pictures from the International Affective Picture Set (IAPS) and a Simon Paradigm to address emotion-cognition interaction while functional and structural imaging data were obtained in 12 healthy controls and 10 psychopaths. We found an impaired emotion-cognition interaction in psychopaths that correlated with a changed prefrontal and temporal brain activation. With regard to the temporal cortex, it is shown that structure and function of the right superior temporal gyrus is disturbed in psychopathy, supporting a neurobiological approach to psychopathy, in which structure and function of the right STG may be important.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen L Müller
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy,University of Göttingen, Von Siebold Strasse 5, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
63
|
Jang DP, Namkoong K, Kim JJ, Park S, Kim IY, Kim SI, Kim YB, Cho ZH, Lee E. The relationship between brain morphometry and neuropsychological performance in alcohol dependence. Neurosci Lett 2007; 428:21-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2007.09.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2007] [Revised: 09/17/2007] [Accepted: 09/19/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
64
|
Abstract
Alcoholism results from an interplay between genetic and environmental factors, and is linked to brain defects and associated cognitive, emotional, and behavioral impairments. A confluence of findings from neuroimaging, physiological, neuropathological, and neuropsychological studies of alcoholics indicate that the frontal lobes, limbic system, and cerebellum are particularly vulnerable to damage and dysfunction. An integrative approach employing a variety of neuroscientific technologies is essential for recognizing the interconnectivity of the different functional systems affected by alcoholism. In that way, relevant experimental techniques can be applied to assist in determining the degree to which abstinence and treatment contribute to the reversal of atrophy and dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Oscar-Berman
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, L-815, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
65
|
|
66
|
Pavić L, Gregurek R, Rados M, Brkljacić B, Brajković L, Simetin-Pavić I, Ivanac G, Pavlisa G, Kalousek V. Smaller right hippocampus in war veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychiatry Res 2007; 154:191-8. [PMID: 17258898 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2006.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2006] [Revised: 06/14/2006] [Accepted: 08/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chronic stress can putatively cause damage in the human hippocampus, but evidence of damage has not been consistently shown in studies on hippocampal morphology in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We compared hippocampal volumes in PTSD patients and normal subjects. Using a 3D T1-weighted GRE magnetic resonance imaging sequence, we measured hippocampal volumes in 15 war veterans with combat-related chronic PTSD and 15 case-matched normal controls. Although war veterans, our PTSD subjects were not professional soldiers and were mobilized shortly before they were exposed to a very specific combat-related trauma over a 3-day period. In our study, the period between traumatic exposure and imaging was considerably shorter, on average, 9 years, compared with at least two decades in previous studies on subjects with combat-related PTSD. Moreover, our subjects were free of any comorbidity, treatment or medication. The right hippocampus was significantly smaller in PTSD subjects than in healthy controls. The left hippocampus was also smaller in PTSD subjects than in controls, but the difference was not significant. In all PTSD subjects, the right hippocampus was smaller than the left (on average, 7.88%). Our results show smaller volume of the right hippocampus in PTSD patients than in normal subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ladislav Pavić
- Radiology Department, University Hospital Dubrava, Avenija Gojka Suska 6, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
67
|
Medina KL, Schweinsburg AD, Cohen-Zion M, Nagel BJ, Tapert SF. Effects of alcohol and combined marijuana and alcohol use during adolescence on hippocampal volume and asymmetry. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2006; 29:141-52. [PMID: 17169528 PMCID: PMC1821342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2006.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2006] [Revised: 10/30/2006] [Accepted: 10/30/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Converging lines of evidence suggest that the hippocampus may be particularly vulnerable to deleterious effects of alcohol and marijuana use, especially during adolescence. The goal of this study was to examine hippocampal volume and asymmetry in adolescent users of alcohol and marijuana. METHODS Participants were adolescent (aged 15-18) alcohol (ALC) users (n=16), marijuana and alcohol (MJ+ALC) users (n=26), and demographically similar controls (n=21). Extensive exclusionary criteria included prenatal toxic exposure, left handedness, and psychiatric and neurologic disorders. Substance use, cognitive, and anatomical measures were collected after at least 2 days of abstinence from all substances. RESULTS Adolescent ALC users demonstrated a significantly different pattern of hippocampal asymmetry (p<.05) and reduced left hippocampal volume (p<.05) compared to MJ+ALC users and non-using controls. Increased alcohol abuse/dependence severity was associated with increased right>left (R>L) asymmetry and smaller left hippocampal volumes while marijuana abuse/dependence was associated with increased L>R asymmetry and larger left hippocampal volumes. Although MJ+ALC users did not differ from controls in asymmetry, functional relationships with verbal learning were found only among controls, among whom greater right than left hippocampal volume was associated with superior performance (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS Aberrations in hippocampal asymmetry and left hippocampal volumes were found for adolescent heavy drinkers. Further, the functional relationship between hippocampal asymmetry and verbal learning was abnormal among adolescent substance users compared to healthy controls. These findings suggest differential effects of alcohol and combined marijuana and alcohol use on hippocampal morphometry and the relationship between hippocampal asymmetry and verbal learning performance among adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krista Lisdahl Medina
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA
- Veterans Medical Research Foundation, San Diego, CA
| | - Alecia D. Schweinsburg
- Veterans Medical Research Foundation, San Diego, CA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, CA
| | - Mairav Cohen-Zion
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA
- Veterans Medical Research Foundation, San Diego, CA
| | - Bonnie J. Nagel
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Susan F. Tapert
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA
- Veterans Medical Research Foundation, San Diego, CA
| |
Collapse
|
68
|
Rupp CI, Fleischhacker WW, Drexler A, Hausmann A, Hinterhuber H, Kurz M. Executive function and memory in relation to olfactory deficits in alcohol-dependent patients. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2006; 30:1355-62. [PMID: 16899038 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2006.00162.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior research indicates that chronic alcoholism is accompanied by olfactory deficits. These have been suggested to reflect dysfunctions in olfactory brain regions. The present study investigated the role of neurocognitive functioning in tests (executive function and memory) sensitive to the functional integrity of brain areas that are crucial to olfactory processing in patients with alcohol dependence. METHODS Performance on olfactory functions (detection threshold, quality discrimination, identification), executive function (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test), and memory (German version of the California Verbal Learning Test) was assessed in 32 alcohol-dependent patients and 30 healthy comparison subjects, comparable in age, gender, and smoking status. RESULTS Compared with controls, alcohol-dependent patients were impaired in all 3 domains, olfactory functions, executive function, and memory. In patients, olfactory discrimination ability was positively correlated with executive function performance. Regression analyses conducted to clarify the relation between group (patients vs controls), executive function, memory, and olfactory functions indicated that group was the only significant predictor of olfactory detection threshold and identification, and both group and executive function were found to be the significant predictors of olfactory discrimination. CONCLUSIONS Olfactory deficits in alcohol dependence appear to be associated with prefrontal cognitive dysfunction. Results indicate that olfactory quality discrimination deficits are related to executive function impairment. These findings add to the available research on frontal lobe dysfunction in alcoholism, suggesting that alcohol-related olfactory discrimination deficits may be associated with impairment in the functional integrity of the prefrontal lobe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia I Rupp
- Department of Psychiatry, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
69
|
Anstey KJ, Jorm AF, Réglade-Meslin C, Maller J, Kumar R, von Sanden C, Windsor TD, Rodgers B, Wen W, Sachdev P. Weekly alcohol consumption, brain atrophy, and white matter hyperintensities in a community-based sample aged 60 to 64 years. Psychosom Med 2006; 68:778-85. [PMID: 17012533 DOI: 10.1097/01.psy.0000237779.56500.af] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the association between weekly alcohol consumption and brain atrophy in adults aged 60 to 64 years. METHODS Brain magnetic resonance imaging scans from 385 adults recruited through a community survey were analyzed. Automated segmentation and manual tracing methods were used to obtain brain subvolumes and automated methods were used to obtain quantification and localization of white matter hyperintensities. Visual measures of cortical atrophy were obtained as were data on health and lifestyle factors. Alcohol consumption was assessed with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. RESULTS In men, weekly alcohol consumption had a positive linear association with ventricular volume and gray matter and a negative linear association with white matter. In women, weekly alcohol consumption had a nonlinear relationship with cerebrospinal fluid and white matter. Alcohol consumption was not associated with white matter hyperintensities, corpus callosum size, hippocampal or amygdala volumes in analyses adjusting for confounding variables. CONCLUSION An association between alcohol consumption and brain atrophy is evident at the population level. In women, detrimental effects of alcohol on the brain appear to occur at lower levels of consumption. It remains possible that low levels of alcohol consumption have neuroprotective benefits but is clear that high levels of consumption are detrimental.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaarin J Anstey
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 0200, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
70
|
Prendergast MA, Little HJ. Adolescence, glucocorticoids and alcohol. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2006; 86:234-45. [PMID: 16930684 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2006.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2006] [Revised: 06/05/2006] [Accepted: 07/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This review examines the evidence that glucocorticoids are involved, during both adolescence and adulthood, in the cognitive deficits caused by long-term alcohol consumption and in the mechanism(s) of alcohol dependence. During adolescence, the hypothalamopituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis undergoes well-characterized changes in basal activity and many of these are influenced by alcohol consumption. While the former have been fairly well studied, there is little information about whether alcohol effects on the HPA in adolescents differ from those in adults. The means by which glucocorticoids may influence alcohol-related neurotoxicity are presented, and potential differences between adolescence and adults in this regard noted. The substantial evidence for involvement of glucocorticoids in alcohol-induced cognitive deficits is described, with particular reference to the consequences of alcohol withdrawal. The use of immature organotypic cultures of rodent brain in the study of alcohol neurotoxicity is considered in detail, and the information obtained from this methodology concerning the role of glucocorticoid receptors and excitable membrane proteins in this neurotoxicity. The influence of glucocorticoids on alcohol consumption and possible contributions to alcohol dependence are then considered. In conclusion, more information concerning the effects of glucocorticoids on plasticity and alcohol neurotoxicity during the adolescent period is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Prendergast
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, B363 BBSRB, 741 S. Limestone, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0509, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
71
|
Emdad R, Bonekamp D, Sondergaard HP, Bjorklund T, Agartz I, Ingvar M, Theorell T. Morphometric and psychometric comparisons between non-substance-abusing patients with posttraumatic stress disorder and normal controls. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2006; 75:122-32. [PMID: 16508348 DOI: 10.1159/000090897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hippocampal decrease in size in response to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is still a subject of controversy. The aims of this study were to: (1) confirm previous hippocampus findings in PTSD patients compared to controls, using ethnically similar study groups where alcohol and drug abuse were non-existent; (2) test influence of disease duration as well as depression scores on possible morphological changes; (3) test whether the voxel-based morphometry (VBM) data confirm the group differences seen in the region of interest (ROI) analysis, and (4) test the associations between the cognitive test scores and the morphological changes. METHODS VBM and ROI-based analysis were applied in 23 patients and 17 healthy controls. Culture-neutral cognitive tests were used. RESULTS The ROI-based method showed significantly decreased gray matter volumes for global hippocampal volume, as in a separate analysis of left and right sides in the PTSD group. Total volume of the hippocampus was significantly decreased on the left side, as in the global assessment. A multiple regression VBM model showed significant voxel clusters for group affiliation in the right hippocampus, modelling lowering of gray matter associated with the PTSD group. Disease duration was shown to be negatively correlated to bilateral hippocampal volume and high depression score to bilateral gray matter parahippocampal volume. No significant correlations were found between hippocampal or parahippocampal volumes and cognitive functions. CONCLUSION The present and previous studies showed that morphologic differences do not appear to be due to drug or alcohol abuse. The VBM data partially confirm the group differences seen in the ROI-based method in the medial temporal lobe. The fact that the significantly lower score on the short-term memory test in the PTSD group is not correlated to hippocampal volume may suggest a more general basis for such memory impairment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Emdad
- Karolinska Institute, and National Institute for Psychosocial Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
72
|
Yadav S, Dhawan A, Singh RL, Seth PK, Parmar D. Expression of constitutive and inducible cytochrome P450 2E1 in rat brain. Mol Cell Biochem 2006; 286:171-80. [PMID: 16652227 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-005-9109-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2005] [Accepted: 12/13/2005] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Studies initiated to investigate the expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) in rat brain demonstrated low but detectable protein and mRNA expression in control rat brain. Though mRNA and protein expression of CYP2E1 in brain was several fold lower as compared to liver, relatively high activity of N-nitrosodimethylamine demethylase (NDMA-d) was observed in control rat brain microsomes. Like liver, pretreatment with CYP2E1 inducers such as ethanol or pyrazole or acetone significantly increased the activity of brain microsomal NDMA-d. Kinetic studies also showed an increase in the Vmax and affinity (Km) of the substrate towards the brain enzyme due to increased expression of CYP2E1 in microsomes of brain isolated from ethanol pretreated rats. In vitro studies using organic inhibitors, specific for CYP2E1 and anti-CYP2E1 significantly inhibited the brain NDMA-d activity indicating that like liver, NDMA-d activity in rat brain is catalyzed by CYP2E1. Olfactory lobes exhibited the highest CYP2E1 expression and catalytic activity in control rats. Furthermore, several fold increase in the mRNA expression and activity of CYP2E1 in cerebellum and hippocampus while a relatively small increase in the olfactory lobes and no significant change in other brain regions following ethanol pretreatment have indicated that CYP2E1 induction maybe involved in selective sensitivity of these brain areas to ethanol induced free radical damage and neuronal degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Yadav
- Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, P.O. Box 80, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow 226 001, INDIA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
73
|
Chandler LJ, Carpenter-Hyland E, Hendricson AW, Maldve RE, Morrisett RA, Zhou FC, Sari Y, Bell R, Szumlinski KK. Structural and functional modifications in glutamateric synapses following prolonged ethanol exposure. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2006; 30:368-76. [PMID: 16441286 PMCID: PMC1512148 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2006.00041.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This article summarizes the proceedings of a symposium presented at the 2005 annual meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism in Santa Barbara, California, USA. The organizer and chair was L. Judson Chandler. The presentations were (1) Chronic Ethanol Exposure, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Dynamics, and Withdrawal Hyperexcitability, by Adam Hendricson, Regina Maldve, and Richard Morrisett; (2) Ethanol-Induced Synaptic Targeting of NMDA Receptors Is Associated With Enhanced Postsynaptic Density-95 Clustering and Spine Size, by Judson Chandler and Ezekiel Carpenter-Hyland; (3) Presynaptic and Postsynaptic Alterations in the Nucleus Accumbens Following Chronic Alcohol Exposure, by Feng Zhou, Youssef Sari, and Richard Bell; and (4) An Active Role for Accumbens Homer2 Expression in Alcohol-Induced Neural Plasticity, by Karen Szumlinski.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Judson Chandler
- Alcohol Research Center and Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
74
|
Nixon K. Alcohol and adult neurogenesis: Roles in neurodegeneration and recovery in chronic alcoholism. Hippocampus 2006; 16:287-95. [PMID: 16421863 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.20162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The concept of "structural plasticity" has emerged as a potential mechanism in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases such as drug abuse, depression, and dementia. Chronic alcoholism is a progressive neurodegenerative disease while the person continues to abuse alcohol, though clinical and imaging studies show that some recovery may occur with abstinence. The neural plasticity observed in chronic alcoholism coupled with conflicting reports on alcohol-induced hippocampal neuropathology make this disease ripe for reconsideration in terms of the phenomenon of adult neurogenesis. This review describes opposing neurogenic processes that occur with alcohol intoxication and abstinence following alcohol dependence and how these opposing events relate to neurodegeneration and recovery from chronic alcoholism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Nixon
- College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
75
|
Thoma RJ, Hanlon FM, Miller GA, Huang M, Weisend MP, Sanchez FP, Waldorf VA, Jones A, Smith A, Formoso MJ, Cañive JM. Neuropsychological and sensory gating deficits related to remote alcohol abuse history in schizophrenia. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2006; 12:34-44. [PMID: 16433942 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617706060097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2005] [Revised: 09/29/2005] [Accepted: 09/30/2005] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that changes in brain structure associated with alcohol abuse are compounded in individuals dually diagnosed with alcohol abuse and schizophrenia. To investigate the separate, and possibly interacting, effects of these diagnoses, an event-related brain potential (ERP) measure of auditory information processing (P50 sensory gating paradigm) and neuropsychological measures were administered to healthy control participants with either (1a) no history of alcohol abuse/dependence, or (1b) a remote history of alcohol abuse/dependence, and patients with schizophrenia with either (2a) no history of alcohol abuse/dependence, or (2b) a remote history of alcohol abuse/dependence. Schizophrenia was associated with impaired P50 sensory gating and poorer performance across neuropsychological scores compared to measurements in healthy control participants. Those with a positive alcohol history had impaired gating ratios in contrast to those with a negative alcohol history. There were additive effects of schizophrenia diagnosis and alcohol history for P50 sensory gating and for neuropsychological scores: attention, working memory, and behavioral inhibition. For executive attention and general memory there was an interaction, suggesting that the combination of schizophrenia and history of alcohol abuse results in greater impairment than that predicted by the presence of either diagnosis alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Thoma
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-0001, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
76
|
Kimbrell T, Leulf C, Cardwell D, Komoroski RA, Freeman TW. Relationship of in vivo medial temporal lobe magnetic resonance spectroscopy to documented combat exposure in veterans with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychiatry Res 2005; 140:91-4. [PMID: 16169712 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2005.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2004] [Revised: 06/23/2005] [Accepted: 07/15/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Veterans diagnosed with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and comparison subjects underwent single voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) of the medial temporal lobe (MTL). PTSD subjects were divided into combat and non-combat groups based on military records. Combat PTSD subjects did not have lower MTL levels of N-acetylaspartate compared with non-combat PTSD subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Kimbrell
- Mental Health Service, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
77
|
|
78
|
|
79
|
Daurignac E, Toga A, Jones D, Aronen H, Hommer D, Jemigan T, Krystal J, Mathalon D. Applications of morphometric and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging to the study of brain abnormalities in the alcoholism spectrum. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2005; 29:159-166. [PMID: 15895490 DOI: 10.1097/01.alc.0000150891.72900.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
80
|
Nixon K, Crews FT. Temporally specific burst in cell proliferation increases hippocampal neurogenesis in protracted abstinence from alcohol. J Neurosci 2005; 24:9714-22. [PMID: 15509760 PMCID: PMC6730141 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3063-04.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis is a newly considered form of plasticity that could contribute to brain dysfunction in psychiatric disease. Chronic alcoholism, a disease affecting over 8% of the adult population, produces cognitive impairments and decreased brain volumes, both of which are partially reversed during abstinence. Clinical data and animal models implicate the hippocampus, a region important in learning and memory. In a model of alcohol dependence (chronic binge exposure for 4 d), we show that adult neurogenesis is inhibited during dependence with a pronounced increase in new hippocampal neuron formation after weeks of abstinence. This increase is attributable to a temporally and regionally specific fourfold increase in cell proliferation at day 7 of abstinence, with a majority of those cells surviving and differentiating at percentages similar to controls, effects that doubled the formation of new neurons. Although increases in cell proliferation correlated with alcohol withdrawal severity, proliferation remained increased when diazepam (10 mg/kg) was used to reduce withdrawal severity. Indeed, those animals with little withdrawal activity still show a twofold burst in cell proliferation at day 7 of abstinence. Thus, alcohol dependence and recovery from dependence continues to alter hippocampal plasticity during abstinence. Because neurogenesis may contribute to hippocampal function and/or learning, memory, and mood, compensatory neurogenesis and the return of normal neurogenesis may also have an impact on hippocampal structure and function. For the first time, these data provide a neurobiological mechanism that may underlie the return of human cognitive function and brain volume associated with recovery from addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Nixon
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
81
|
Abstract
Within the past several years, neuroimaging research on personality disorders has begun to develop. Personality disorders can be thought of as trait-like dysfunctional patterns in cognitive, affective, impulse control, and interpersonal domains. These domains of dysfunction have been linked to specific neural circuits. Developments in brain imaging techniques have allowed researchers to examine the neural integrity of these circuits in personality-disordered individuals. This article reviews the neuroimaging literature on borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder (including psychopathy) and schizotypal personality disorder. Functional and structural studies provide support for dysfunction in fronto-limbic circuits in borderline and antisocial personality disorder, whereas temporal lobe and basal striatal-thalamic compromise is evident in schizotypal personality disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael S McCloskey
- Department of Psychiatry, MC #3077, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
82
|
Pandey SC, Chartoff EH, Carlezon WA, Zou J, Zhang H, Kreibich AS, Blendy JA, Crews FT. CREB Gene Transcription Factors: Role in Molecular Mechanisms of Alcohol and Drug Addiction. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2005; 29:176-84. [PMID: 15714041 DOI: 10.1097/01.alc.0000153550.31168.1d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This article presents the proceedings of a symposium presented at the meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism, held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in June 2004. The organizers and chairpersons were Subhash C. Pandey and Fulton Crews. The presentations were (1) Ethanol Modulation of CREB: Role in Dependence and Withdrawal, by Fulton Crews; (2) Effects of D1 Dopamine Receptor Activation During Withdrawal From Chronic Morphine: Enhanced CREB Activation and Decreased Conditioned Place Aversion, by Elena H. Chartoff; (3) CREB-Haplodeficient Mice: Role in Anxiety and Alcohol-Drinking Behaviors, by Subhash C. Pandey; and (4) A Role for CREB in Stress and Drug Addiction, by Julie A. Blendy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subhash C Pandey
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
83
|
Geuze E, Vermetten E, Bremner JD. MR-based in vivo hippocampal volumetrics: 2. Findings in neuropsychiatric disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2005; 10:160-84. [PMID: 15356639 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mp.4001579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 272] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has opened a new window to the brain. Measuring hippocampal volume with MRI has provided important information about several neuropsychiatric disorders. We reviewed the literature and selected all English-language, human subject, data-driven papers on hippocampal volumetry, yielding a database of 423 records. Smaller hippocampal volumes have been reported in epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, mild cognitive impairment, the aged, traumatic brain injury, cardiac arrest, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Cushing's disease, herpes simplex encephalitis, Turner's syndrome, Down's syndrome, survivors of low birth weight, schizophrenia, major depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, chronic alcoholism, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. Significantly larger hippocampal volumes have been correlated with autism and children with fragile X syndrome. Preservation of hippocampal volume has been reported in congenital hyperplasia, children with fetal alcohol syndrome, anorexia nervosa, attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, and panic disorder. Possible mechanisms of hippocampal volume loss in neuropsychiatric disorders are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Geuze
- Department of Military Psychiatry, Central Military Hospital, Utrecht, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Mailbox B.01.2.06, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
84
|
Kruesi MJP, Casanova MF, Mannheim G, Johnson-Bilder A. Reduced temporal lobe volume in early onset conduct disorder. Psychiatry Res 2004; 132:1-11. [PMID: 15546698 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2004.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2003] [Revised: 07/26/2004] [Accepted: 07/30/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Regional brain volumes derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from 10 youths with early onset conduct disorder and 10 healthy controls matched for age, sex and handedness were compared to determine whether prefrontal or temporal lobe brain volumes differed in the two groups. Right temporal lobe and right temporal gray matter volumes were significantly reduced in subjects with conduct disorder compared with controls. Prefrontal volumes in subjects with conduct disorder were 16% smaller than in controls, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Early onset conduct disorder without substance abuse comorbidity was also significantly associated with smaller right temporal gray volumes. Further investigation of both the temporal and frontal localizations of the pathophysiology of early onset conduct disorder is warranted in larger samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus J P Kruesi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President Street, P.O. Box 250861, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
85
|
de Bruin EA, Bijl S, Stam CJ, Böcker KBE, Kenemans JL, Verbaten MN. Abnormal EEG synchronisation in heavily drinking students. Clin Neurophysiol 2004; 115:2048-55. [PMID: 15294207 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2004.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2004] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In alcoholics, grey and white brain matter is damaged. In addition, functional brain connectivity as measured by EEG coherence is abnormal. We investigated whether heavily drinking students, although drinking for a shorter period than alcoholics, already show differences in functional connectivity compared to light-drinking controls. METHODS EEG was recorded in 11 light and 11 heavy male student drinkers during eyes closed, and eyes closed plus mental rehearsal of pictures. Functional connectivity was assessed with the Synchronisation Likelihood method. RESULTS Heavily drinking students had more synchronisation in the theta (4-8 Hz) and gamma (30-45 Hz) band than lightly drinking students during eyes closed, both with and without a mental-rehearsal task. CONCLUSIONS Heavy student drinkers have increases in EEG synchronisation that are indicative of changes in hippocampal-neocortical connectivity. SIGNIFICANCE Heavy student drinkers show differences in functional connectivity as compared to their lightly drinking counterparts, even though they have a relatively short drinking history.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eveline A de Bruin
- Department of Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Sorbonnelaan 16, NL-3584 CA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
86
|
Lindauer RJL, Vlieger EJ, Jalink M, Olff M, Carlier IVE, Majoie CBLM, den Heeten GJ, Gersons BPR. Smaller hippocampal volume in Dutch police officers with posttraumatic stress disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2004; 56:356-63. [PMID: 15336518 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2004.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2004] [Revised: 05/17/2004] [Accepted: 06/07/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous magnetic resonance imaging studies of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have reported smaller hippocampal volume, especially in war and sexual abuse victims. Our aim was to assess hippocampal volume in traumatized police officers with and without PTSD in the absence of alcohol abuse and moderate to severe major depression. METHODS In a case-matched control study, 14 police officers with current PTSD and 14 traumatized police officers without lifetime PTSD were examined using magnetic resonance imaging. Three temporal lobe areas were manually segmented: hippocampus, amygdala, and parahippocampal gyrus. Volumetric analysis was used to measure gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid. RESULTS After controlling for total brain volume, the hippocampal volume in the PTSD group was significantly smaller in comparison with the traumatized control group (total 10.6%; left 12.6%). Volumes of amygdala, parahippocampal gyrus, gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid were not significantly altered. A significant negative correlation was found between reexperiencing symptoms and hippocampal volume in the PTSD group. CONCLUSIONS We confirmed previous findings of smaller hippocampal volume in PTSD in a new population made up of police officers, excluding comorbidity as a confounder. The finding of smaller hippocampal volume was specific to PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramón J L Lindauer
- Centre for Psychological Trauma, Department of Psychiatry de Bascule, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
87
|
Bleich S, Degner D, Sperling W, Bönsch D, Thürauf N, Kornhuber J. Homocysteine as a neurotoxin in chronic alcoholism. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2004; 28:453-64. [PMID: 15093951 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2003.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2003] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies that homocysteine induces neuronal damage and cell loss by both excitotoxicity and different apoptotic processes. Clinical evidence suggest a strong relationship between higher plasma homocysteine levels and brain atrophy in healthy elderly subjects as well as in elderly at risk of and with Alzheimer's disease. Chronic alcoholism leads to elevated plasma homocysteine levels, as shown by clinical investigations and animal experiments. In addition, an association between brain atrophy and increased levels of homocysteine in chronic alcoholism was shown. This may have important implications for the pathogenesis of alcoholism-associated brain atrophy. Furthermore, taking into account that high plasma homocysteine levels are helpful in the prediction of alcohol withdrawal seizures, early anticonvulsive therapy could prevent this severe complication. Homocysteine plays a role in a shared biochemical cascade involving overstimulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, oxidative stress, activation of caspases, DNA damage, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial dysfunction. These mechanisms are believed to be important in the pathogenesis of both excitotoxicity and apoptotic neurotoxicity. Prospective intervention studies may show whether the incidence of complications of alcohol withdrawal or alcoholism-associated disorders can be reduced by therapeutic measures with early lowering of elevated homocysteine levels (e.g. folate administration). The most important pathophysiological and pathobiochemical features of glutamatergic neurotransmission and of ethanol-induced hyperhomocysteinaemia are reviewed in relation to their excitotoxic and apoptotic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bleich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6-10, Erlangen 91054, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
88
|
Neylan TC, Lenoci M, Rothlind J, Metzler TJ, Schuff N, Du AT, Franklin KW, Weiss DS, Weiner MW, Marmar CR. Attention, learning, and memory in posttraumatic stress disorder. J Trauma Stress 2004; 17:41-6. [PMID: 15027792 PMCID: PMC2366105 DOI: 10.1023/b:jots.0000014675.75686.ee] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
This study compared attention and declarative memory in a sample of combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD, n = 24) previously reported to have reduced concentrations of the hippocampal neuronal marker N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), but similar hippocampal volume compared to veteran normal comparison participants (n = 23). Healthy, well-educated males with combat-related PTSD without current depression or recent alcohol/drug abuse did not perform differently on tests of attention, learning, and memory compared to normal comparison participants. Further, hippocampal volume, NAA, or NAA/Creatine ratios did not significantly correlate with any of the cognitive measures when adjustments for multiple comparisons were made. In this study, reduced hippocampal NAA did not appear to be associated with impaired declarative memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Neylan
- Mental Health Service, San Francisco DVA Medical Center, San Francisco, California 94121, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
89
|
Raine A, Ishikawa SS, Arce E, Lencz T, Knuth KH, Bihrle S, LaCasse L, Colletti P. Hippocampal structural asymmetry in unsuccessful psychopaths. Biol Psychiatry 2004; 55:185-91. [PMID: 14732599 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3223(03)00727-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Structural and functional hippocampal abnormalities have been previously reported in institutionalized psychopathic and aggressive populations. This study assessed whether prior findings of a right greater than left (R > L) functional asymmetry in caught violent offenders generalize to the structural domain in unsuccessful, caught psychopaths. METHODS Left and right hippocampal volumes were assessed using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 23 control subjects, 16 unsuccessful psychopaths, and 12 successful (uncaught) community psychopaths and transformed into standardized space. RESULTS Unsuccessful psychopaths showed an exaggerated structural hippocampal asymmetry (R > L) relative both to successful psychopaths and control subjects (p <.007) that was localized to the anterior region. This effect could not be explained by environmental and diagnostic confounds and constitutes the first brain imaging analysis of successful and unsuccessful psychopaths. CONCLUSIONS Atypical anterior hippocampal asymmetries in unsuccessful psychopaths may reflect an underlying neurodevelopmental abnormality that disrupts hippocampal-prefrontal circuitry, resulting in affect dysregulation, poor contextual fear conditioning, and insensitivity to cues predicting capture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Raine
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-1061, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
90
|
Müller JL, Sommer M, Wagner V, Lange K, Taschler H, Röder CH, Schuierer G, Klein HE, Hajak G. Abnormalities in emotion processing within cortical and subcortical regions in criminal psychopaths: evidence from a functional magnetic resonance imaging study using pictures with emotional content. Biol Psychiatry 2003; 54:152-62. [PMID: 12873805 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3223(02)01749-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurobiology of psychopathy is important for our understanding of current neuropsychiatric questions. Despite a growing interest in biological research in psychopathy, its neural underpinning remains obscure. METHODS We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study the influence of affective contents on brain activation in psychopaths. Series containing positive and negative pictures from the International Affective Picture System were shown to six male psychopaths and six male control subjects while 100 whole-brain echo-planar-imaging measurements were acquired. Differences in brain activation were evaluated using BrainVoyager software 4.6. RESULTS In psychopaths, increased activation through negative contents was found right-sided in prefrontal regions and amygdala. Activation was reduced right-sided in the subgenual cingulate and the temporal gyrus, and left-sided in the dorsal cingulate and the parahippocampal gyrus. Increased activation through positive contents was found left-sided in the orbitofrontal regions. Activation was reduced in right medial frontal and medial temporal regions. CONCLUSIONS These findings underline the hypotheses that psychopathy is neurobiologically reflected by dysregulation and disturbed functional connectivity of emotion-related brain regions. These findings may be interpreted within a framework including prefrontal regions that provide top-down control to and regulate bottom-up signals from limbic areas. Because of the small sample size, the results of this study have to be regarded as preliminary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen L Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
91
|
Abstract
The neurobiological basis of violence and antisocial behavior is poorly understood. Lesion studies have implicated the frontal and temporal lobes in such phenomena. Recent neuroimaging studies have provided more detailed information on the neurobiological correlates of violence and antisocial behavior. Moreover, the results of such imaging studies extend findings from prior lesion studies. These results suggest that violent and antisocial behavior is associated with disruptions in frontotemporal neural systems. This article reviews the neuroimaging literature on violence and antisocial behavior and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the different methods that have been used in such studies. The author reviews findings from cerebral psychophysiology studies (electroencephalographic studies and evoked potentials), as well as from studies using positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The article concludes with a discussion of useful directions for future research. It is clear that the use of neuroimaging methods in combination offers the greatest promise for progress in the understanding of the neural basis of violence and antisocial behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Hoptman
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
| |
Collapse
|
92
|
Bleich S, Bandelow B, Javaheripour K, Müller A, Degner D, Wilhelm J, Havemann-Reinecke U, Sperling W, Rüther E, Kornhuber J. Hyperhomocysteinemia as a new risk factor for brain shrinkage in patients with alcoholism. Neurosci Lett 2003; 335:179-82. [PMID: 12531462 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(02)01194-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Chronic alcohol consumption can induce brain atrophy, whereby the exact mechanism of brain damage in alcoholics remains unknown. There is evidence that chronic alcoholism is associated with hyperhomocysteinemia. Homocysteine is an excitatory amino acid which markedly enhances the vulnerability of neuronal cells to excitotoxic and oxidative injury in vitro and in vivo. The present volumetric magnetic resonance imaging study included 52 chronic alcoholics and 30 non-drinking healthy controls. Patients were active drinkers and had an established diagnosis of alcohol dependence. We investigated the influence of different variables on the hippocampal volume of patients suffering from chronic alcoholism. We observed that pathological raised levels of plasma homocysteine showed the most significant correlation to hippocampal volume reduction (P<0.001, multiple regression analysis). Raised plasma levels of homocysteine are associated with hippocampal (brain) atrophy in alcoholism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Bleich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6-10, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
93
|
Bleich S, Sperling W, Degner D, Graesel E, Bleich K, Wilhelm J, Havemann-Reinecke U, Javaheripour K, Kornhuber J. Lack of association between hippocampal volume reduction and first-onset alcohol withdrawal seizure. A volumetric MRI study. Alcohol Alcohol 2003; 38:40-4. [PMID: 12554606 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agg017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS AND METHODS Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hippocampus has been extensively studied in both neurological and psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, hippocampal volume reductions on MRI have been reported in patients with chronic alcoholism. The present volumetric MRI study was undertaken to determine whether an association exists between hippocampal volume reduction and first-onset alcohol withdrawal seizure. Until recently, no data as to whether hippocampal volume reductions in alcoholics might serve as a predictor of withdrawal seizures were available. RESULTS We found the average hippocampal volumes measured by high resolution MRI to be significantly reduced in 52 alcoholics compared with 30 healthy controls. Besides a decrease of hippocampal volume in patients with chronic alcoholism, we could not find any significant correlation between the occurrence of seizures during alcohol withdrawal and the amount of hippocampal volume reduction in these patients. CONCLUSIONS Thus, the alcoholism-related atrophy within the hippocampal formation in patients suffering from chronic alcoholism does not seem to be the source of convulsive activity in these patients. Neither does the amount of atrophy allow the occurrence of first-onset withdrawal seizures to be predicted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Bleich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
94
|
Gilbertson MW, Shenton ME, Ciszewski A, Kasai K, Lasko NB, Orr SP, Pitman RK. Smaller hippocampal volume predicts pathologic vulnerability to psychological trauma. Nat Neurosci 2002; 5:1242-7. [PMID: 12379862 PMCID: PMC2819093 DOI: 10.1038/nn958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 952] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2002] [Accepted: 09/23/2002] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In animals, exposure to severe stress can damage the hippocampus. Recent human studies show smaller hippocampal volume in individuals with the stress-related psychiatric condition posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Does this represent the neurotoxic effect of trauma, or is smaller hippocampal volume a pre-existing condition that renders the brain more vulnerable to the development of pathological stress responses? In monozygotic twins discordant for trauma exposure, we found evidence that smaller hippocampi indeed constitute a risk factor for the development of stress-related psychopathology. Disorder severity in PTSD patients who were exposed to trauma was negatively correlated with the hippocampal volume of both the patients and the patients' trauma-unexposed identical co-twin. Furthermore, severe PTSD twin pairs-both the trauma-exposed and unexposed members-had significantly smaller hippocampi than non-PTSD pairs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Gilbertson
- Research Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, 718 Smyth Road, Manchester, New Hampshire 03104, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
95
|
Miksys S, Rao Y, Hoffmann E, Mash DC, Tyndale RF. Regional and cellular expression of CYP2D6 in human brain: higher levels in alcoholics. J Neurochem 2002; 82:1376-87. [PMID: 12354285 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2002.01069.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 is expressed in liver, brain and other extrahepatic tissues where it metabolizes a range of centrally acting drugs and toxins. As ethanol can induce CYP2D in rat brain, we hypothesized that CYP2D6 expression is higher in brains of human alcoholics. We examined regional and cellular expression of CYP2D6 mRNA and protein by RT-PCR, Southern blotting, slot blotting, immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry. A significant correlation was found between mean mRNA and CYP2D6 protein levels across 13 brain regions. Higher expression was detected in 13 brain regions of alcoholics (n = 8) compared to nonalcoholics (n = 5) (anovap < 0.0001). In hippocampus this was localized in CA1-3 pyramidal cells and dentate gyrus granular neurons. In cerebellum this was localized in Purkinje cells and their dendrites. Both of these brain regions, and these same cell-types, are known to be susceptible to alcohol damage. For one case, a poor metabolizer (CYP2D6*4/*4), there was no detectable CYP2D6 protein, confirming the specificity of the antibody used. These data suggest that in alcoholics elevated brain CYP2D6 expression may contribute to altered sensitivity to centrally acting drugs and to the mediation of neurotoxic and behavioral effects of alcohol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Miksys
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
96
|
Villarreal G, Hamilton DA, Petropoulos H, Driscoll I, Rowland LM, Griego JA, Kodituwakku PW, Hart BL, Escalona R, Brooks WM. Reduced hippocampal volume and total white matter volume in posttraumatic stress disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2002; 52:119-25. [PMID: 12114003 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3223(02)01359-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reduced hippocampal volumes in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients are thought to reflect specific changes of this structure. Previous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have not consistently examined indices of overall brain atrophy, therefore it cannot be completely ruled out that hippocampal changes are explained by whole-brain atrophy. The purpose of this study was to assess hippocampal and whole-brain volume in civilian PTSD. METHODS Twelve subjects with PTSD and 10 control subjects underwent brain MRI. Hippocampal volumes were visually quantified using a computerized volumetric program. Whole-brain volumes were obtained with automated k-means-based segmentation. RESULTS No differences were found in intracranial volumes (ICV). Subjects with PTSD had higher cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/ICV ratios and lower white matter/ICV ratios, consistent with generalized white matter (WM) atrophy. The effect of age on CSF/ICV was more pronounced in the PTSD group. Subjects with PTSD had smaller absolute and normalized bilateral hippocampal volumes. These differences persisted after adjusting for lifetime weeks of alcohol intoxication. Posttraumatic stress disorder and depression scores correlated negatively with left hippocampal volume, but PTSD scores were a better predictor of hippocampal volumes. CONCLUSIONS Our results replicate previous findings of reduced hippocampal volume in PTSD but also suggest independent, generalized, white matter atrophy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Villarreal
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
97
|
Laakso MP, Gunning-Dixon F, Vaurio O, Repo-Tiihonen E, Soininen H, Tiihonen J. Prefrontal volumes in habitually violent subjects with antisocial personality disorder and type 2 alcoholism. Psychiatry Res 2002; 114:95-102. [PMID: 12036509 DOI: 10.1016/s0925-4927(02)00005-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Pathology of the prefrontal cortices has been suggested to be a part of neural networks underlying deviant behavioral patterns. Recently, reduced overall prefrontal cortical volumes have been proposed in subjects with antisocial personality disorder (ASP). It is not known whether there are specific patterns of volume loss within the prefrontal regions. Nor is it known if there are correlations between the prefrontal volumes and degree of psychopathology. In this study, total prefrontal, prefrontal white, and cortical (dorsolateral, orbitofrontal, medial frontal) prefrontal volumes were measured from magnetic resonance images in 24 non-psychotic, violent male subjects who had a diagnosis of ASP in combination with type 2 alcoholism, and 33 age-matched control males. The degree of psychopathy in the ASP subjects was assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R). Compared with the controls, the ASP subjects had significantly smaller volumes of all three cortical regions on the left, but this significance disappeared after controlling for differences in education and duration of alcoholism. For the dorsolateral and orbitofrontal cortices, only duration of alcoholism was significantly associated with the observed volume deficit, and for the medial frontal cortex it was the difference in education. Thus, the observed volume deficits in this sample were related more to alcoholism or differences in education rather than to the diagnosis of ASP. Moreover, no significant correlations between any of the volumes and the degree of psychopathy were found.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikko P Laakso
- Department of Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
98
|
Obernier JA, White AM, Swartzwelder HS, Crews FT. Cognitive deficits and CNS damage after a 4-day binge ethanol exposure in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2002; 72:521-32. [PMID: 12175448 DOI: 10.1016/s0091-3057(02)00715-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Impairments of learning and memory are common neuropsychological sequelae of chronic alcohol abuse. Alcoholics often have impairments of anterograde memory, including spatial memory dysfunction, and a tendency toward response perseveration. This study was designed to assess the effects of binge ethanol exposure on neurodegeneration and cognitive function. Rats were given ethanol three times daily for 4 days. Silver staining revealed neurodegeneration in the olfactory bulb, piriform cortex, perirhinal cortex, entorhinal cortex, and dentate gyrus. After withdrawal, behavioral testing in the Morris water maze revealed significant differences in reversal learning between treatment groups. Ethanol-treated animals required more trials to learn the reversal task, entered the previously trained quadrant more often, and spent more time there than controls. [3H]PK-11195 binding, an index of CNS damage, was elevated in the piriform cortex of ethanol-treated animals. Thus, binge ethanol exposure resulted in neurodegeneration of a corticolimbic circuit with common excitatory inputs from the olfactory bulb and was associated with perseverative responding on a spatial learning task. These studies suggest that a single binge drinking episode could cause neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction in humans. The perseverative nature of the behavioral deficit could be related to both cognitive dysfunction and the behavioral components of the addiction process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Obernier
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27599-7178, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
99
|
Abstract
The unique constellation of symptoms that constitute post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may reflect persistent alterations in attention and memory that are fundamental to this disorder. This article reviews the literature on the neuropsychology of PTSD and its relevance to phenomenological, clinical, and biological aspects of this disorder. It addresses the nature and magnitude of the neuropsychological alterations in PTSD and the extent to which they involve the processing of trauma-related or neutral stimuli. This article summarizes the types of deficits in attention and memory that have been found in a broad range of trauma survivors with PTSD and explores the extent to which the deficits may be risk factors for or consequences of trauma and PTSD. The implications of these findings for the course and pathophysiology of PTSD are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Golier
- Bronx VA Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road (116A), Bronx, NY 10468, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
100
|
Schuff N, Neylan TC, Lenoci MA, Du AT, Weiss DS, Marmar CR, Weiner MW. Decreased hippocampal N-acetylaspartate in the absence of atrophy in posttraumatic stress disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2001; 50:952-9. [PMID: 11750891 PMCID: PMC2733624 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3223(01)01245-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous magnetic resonance imaging studies of posttraumatic stress disorder reported hippocampal volume loss. The goals of this study were 1) to determine the relationship between hippocampal atrophy and posttraumatic stress disorder in the absence of alcohol abuse, and 2) to test if loss of N-acetylaspartate (a neuron marker) in the hippocampus of posttraumatic stress disorder occurs separate from atrophy. In addition, volume changes in the entorhinal cortex were also explored. METHODS Eighteen male patients with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (mean age 51.2 +/- 2.5 years) and 19 male control subjects (mean age 51.8 +/- 3.2 years) were studied using magnetic resonance imaging and Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging. Both groups had no alcohol and drug abuse during the past 5 years. RESULTS Posttraumatic stress disorder and control subjects had similar volumes of hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. In contrast to volume, N-acetylaspartate was significantly reduced by about 23% bilaterally in the hippocampus of posttraumatic stress disorder when compared with control subjects, and creatine-containing compounds were reduced by 26% in the right hippocampus of posttraumatic stress disorder. CONCLUSIONS N-acetyl asparate and creatine reductions imply that there are hippocampal abnormalities in posttraumatic stress disorder. Furthermore, these metabolite changes seem to be better indicators of posttraumatic stress disorder pathology than volume losses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Schuff
- Magnetic Resonance Unit, DVA Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, 114M, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|