Long-term methamphetamine self-administration increases mesolimbic mitochondrial oxygen consumption and decreases striatal glutathione

Neurotoxic regimens of methamphetamine (METH) are known to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS), affect redox homeostasis, and lead to damage in dopamine neurons. Functional changes induced by long-term METH self-administration on mitochondrial respiratory metabolism and redox homeostasis are less known. To fill this gap, we implanted a jugular catheter into adult male mice and trained them to nose poke for METH infusions. After several weeks of METH exposure, we collected samples of the ventral striatum (vST) and the ventral midbrain (vMB). We used HPLC to determine the levels of the ROS scavenger glutathione in its reduced (GSH) and oxidized forms. Then, we used high-resolution respirometry to determine the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of mitochondrial complexes. Finally, using in vivo electrophysiology, we assessed changes in dopamine neuron firing activity in the VTA. METH self-administration produced a decrease of the GSH pool in vST, correlating with lifetime METH intake. We observed increased mitochondrial respiration across the two mesolimbic regions. METH self-administration decreases firing rate and burst activity but increases the number of spontaneously active dopamine neurons per track. We conclude that METH self-administration progressively decreased the antioxidant pool in sites of higher dopamine release and produced an increase in mitochondrial metabolism in the mesolimbic areas, probably derived from the increased number of dopamine neurons actively firing. However, dopamine neuron firing activity is decreased by METH self-administration, reflecting a new basal level of dopamine neurotransmission.

Molecular changes associated with spinal cord aging

Age-related muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) is a universal problem in the elderly. Our previous studies indicate that alpha motor neurons (α-MNs) play a critical role in this process. The goal of the current study is to uncover changes in the aging spinal cord that contribute to loss of innervation and the downstream degenerative processes that occur in skeletal muscle. The number of α-MNs is decreased in the spinal cord of wildtype mice during aging, beginning in middle age and reaching a 41% loss by 27 months of age. There is evidence for age-related loss of myelin and mild inflammation, including astrocyte and microglia activation and an increase in levels of sICAM-1. We identified changes in metabolites consistent with compromised neuronal viability, such as reduced levels of N-acetyl-aspartate. Cleaved caspase-3 is more abundant in spinal cord from old mice, suggesting that apoptosis contributes to neuronal loss. RNA-seq analysis revealed changes in the expression of a number of genes in spinal cord from old mice, in particular genes encoding extracellular matrix components (ECM) and a 172-fold increase in MMP-12 expression. Furthermore, blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) permeability is increased in old mice, which may contribute to alterations in spinal cord homeostasis and exacerbate neuronal distress. Together, these data show for the first time that the spinal cord undergoes significant changes during aging, including progressive α-MNs loss that is associated with low-grade inflammation, apoptosis, changes in ECM, myelination, and vascular permeability.

Disparate Central and Peripheral Effects of Circulating IGF-1 Deficiency on Tissue Mitochondrial Function

Age-related decline in circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 is associated with reduced cognitive function, neuronal aging, and neurodegeneration. Decreased mitochondrial function along with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and accumulation of damaged macromolecules are hallmarks of cellular aging. Based on numerous studies indicating pleiotropic effects of IGF-1 during aging, we compared the central and peripheral effects of circulating IGF-1 deficiency on tissue mitochondrial function using an inducible liver IGF-1 knockout (LID). Circulating levels of IGF-1 (~ 75%) were depleted in adult male Igf1^f/f mice via AAV-mediated knockdown of hepatic IGF-1 at 5 months of age. Cognitive function was evaluated at 18 months using the radial arm water maze and glucose and insulin tolerance assessed. Mitochondrial function was analyzed in hippocampus, muscle, and visceral fat tissues using high-resolution respirometry O2K as well as redox status and oxidative stress in the cortex. Peripherally, IGF-1 deficiency did not significantly impact muscle mass or mitochondrial function. Aged LID mice were insulin resistant and exhibited ~ 60% less adipose tissue but increased fat mitochondrial respiration (20%). The effects on fat metabolism were attributed to increases in growth hormone. Centrally, IGF-1 deficiency impaired hippocampal-dependent spatial acquisition as well as reversal learning in male mice. Hippocampal mitochondrial OXPHOS coupling efficiency and cortex ATP levels (~ 50%) were decreased and hippocampal oxidative stress (protein carbonylation and F₂-isoprostanes) was increased. These data suggest that IGF-1 is critical for regulating mitochondrial function, redox status, and spatial learning in the central nervous system but has limited impact on peripheral (liver and muscle) metabolism with age. Therefore, IGF-1 deficiency with age may increase sensitivity to damage in the brain and propensity for cognitive deficits. Targeting mitochondrial function in the brain may be an avenue for therapy of age-related impairment of cognitive function. Regulation of mitochondrial function and redox status by IGF-1 is essential to maintain brain function and coordinate hippocampal-dependent spatial learning. While a decline in IGF-1 in the periphery may be beneficial to avert cancer progression, diminished central IGF-1 signaling may mediate, in part, age-related cognitive dysfunction and cognitive pathologies potentially by decreasing mitochondrial function.

Mitochondrial oxidative stress impairs contractile function but paradoxically increases muscle mass via fibre branching

BACKGROUND

Excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and muscle weakness occur in parallel in multiple pathological conditions. However, the causative role of skeletal muscle mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) on neuromuscular junction (NMJ) morphology and function and muscle weakness has not been directly investigated.

METHODS

We generated mice lacking skeletal muscle-specific manganese-superoxide dismutase (mSod2KO) to increase mtROS using a cre-Lox approach driven by human skeletal actin. We determined primary functional parameters of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function (respiration, ROS, and calcium retention capacity) using permeabilized muscle fibres and isolated muscle mitochondria. We assessed contractile properties of isolated skeletal muscle using in situ and in vitro preparations and whole lumbrical muscles to elucidate the mechanisms of contractile dysfunction.

RESULTS

The mSod2KO mice, contrary to our prediction, exhibit a 10-15% increase in muscle mass associated with an ~50% increase in central nuclei and ~35% increase in branched fibres (P < 0.05). Despite the increase in muscle mass of gastrocnemius and quadriceps, in situ sciatic nerve-stimulated isometric maximum-specific force (N/cm² ), force per cross-sectional area, is impaired by ~60% and associated with increased NMJ fragmentation and size by ~40% (P < 0.05). Intrinsic alterations of components of the contractile machinery show elevated markers of oxidative stress, for example, lipid peroxidation is increased by ~100%, oxidized glutathione is elevated by ~50%, and oxidative modifications of myofibrillar proteins are increased by ~30% (P < 0.05). We also find an approximate 20% decrease in the intracellular calcium transient that is associated with specific force deficit. Excess superoxide generation from the mitochondrial complexes causes a deficiency of succinate dehydrogenase and reduced complex-II-mediated respiration and adenosine triphosphate generation rates leading to severe exercise intolerance (~10 min vs. ~2 h in wild type, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased skeletal muscle mtROS is sufficient to elicit NMJ disruption and contractile abnormalities, but not muscle atrophy, suggesting new roles for mitochondrial oxidative stress in maintenance of muscle mass through increased fibre branching.

Oxidative stress-induced dysregulation of excitation-contraction coupling contributes to muscle weakness

BACKGROUND

We have previously shown that the deletion of the superoxide scavenger, CuZn superoxide dismutase, in mice (Sod1^-/- mice) results in increased oxidative stress and an accelerated loss of skeletal muscle mass and force that mirror the changes seen in old control mice. The goal of this study is to define the effect of oxidative stress and ageing on muscle weakness and the Excitation Contraction (EC) coupling machinery in age-matched adult (8-10 months) wild-type (WT) and Sod1^-/- mice in comparison with old (25-28 months) WT mice.

METHODS

In vitro contractile assays were used to measure muscle contractile parameters. The activity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ ATPase (SERCA) pump was measured using an NADH-linked enzyme assay. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence techniques were used to measure protein expression, and real-time reverse transcription PCR was used to measure gene expression.

RESULTS

The specific force generated by the extensor digitorum longus muscle was reduced in the Sod1^-/- and old WT mice compared with young WT mice along with significant prolongation of time to peak force, increased half relaxation time, and disruption of intracellular calcium handling. The maximal activity of the SERCA calcium uptake pump was significantly reduced in gastrocnemius muscle from both old WT (≈14%) and adult Sod1^-/- (≈33%) mice compared with young WT mice along with increased expression of sarcolipin, a known inhibitor of SERCA activity. Protein levels of the voltage sensor and calcium uptake channel proteins dihydropyridine receptor α1 and SERCA2 were significantly elevated (≈45% and ≈57%, respectively), while the ratio of calstabin, a channel stabilizing protein, to ryanodine receptor was significantly reduced (≈21%) in Sod1^-/- mice compared with young WT mice. The changes in calcium handling were accompanied by substantially elevated levels of global protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that the muscle weakness in Sod1^-/- and old WT mice is in part driven by reactive oxygen species-mediated EC uncoupling and supports a role for reduced SERCA pump activity in compromised muscle function. The novel quantitative mechanistic data provided here can lead to potential therapeutic interventions of SERCA dysfunction for sarcopenia and muscle diseases.

Restoration of SERCA ATPase prevents oxidative stress-related muscle atrophy and weakness

Molecular targets to reduce muscle weakness and atrophy due to oxidative stress have been elusive. Here we show that activation of Sarcoplasmic Reticulum (SR) Ca²⁺ ATPase (SERCA) with CDN1163, a novel small molecule allosteric SERCA activator, ameliorates the muscle impairment in the CuZnSOD deficient (Sod1^-/-) mouse model of oxidative stress. Sod1^-/- mice are characterized by reduced SERCA activity, muscle weakness and atrophy, increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Seven weeks of CDN1163 treatment completely restored SERCA activity and reversed the 23% reduction in gastrocnemius mass and 22% reduction in specific force in untreated Sod1^-/- versus wild type mice. These changes were accompanied by restoration of autophagy protein markers to the levels found in wild-type mice. CDN1163 also reversed the increase in mitochondrial ROS generation and oxidative damage in muscle tissue from Sod1^-/- mice. Taken together our findings suggest that the pharmacological restoration of SERCA is a promising therapeutic approach to counter oxidative stress-associated muscle impairment.

Insulin-like growth factor receptor signaling regulates working memory, mitochondrial metabolism, and amyloid-β uptake in astrocytes

Objective

A decline in mitochondrial function and biogenesis as well as increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important determinants of aging. With advancing age, there is a concomitant reduction in circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) that is closely associated with neuronal aging and neurodegeneration. In this study, we investigated the effect of the decline in IGF-1 signaling with age on astrocyte mitochondrial metabolism and astrocyte function and its association with learning and memory.

Methods

Learning and memory was assessed using the radial arm water maze in young and old mice as well as tamoxifen-inducible astrocyte-specific knockout of IGFR (GFAP-Cre^TAM/igfr^f/f). The impact of IGF-1 signaling on mitochondrial function was evaluated using primary astrocyte cultures from igfr^f/f mice using AAV-Cre mediated knockdown using Oroboros respirometry and Seahorse assays.

Results

Our results indicate that a reduction in IGF-1 receptor (IGFR) expression with age is associated with decline in hippocampal-dependent learning and increased gliosis. Astrocyte-specific knockout of IGFR also induced impairments in working memory. Using primary astrocyte cultures, we show that reducing IGF-1 signaling via a 30–50% reduction IGFR expression, comparable to the physiological changes in IGF-1 that occur with age, significantly impaired ATP synthesis. IGFR deficient astrocytes also displayed altered mitochondrial structure and function and increased mitochondrial ROS production associated with the induction of an antioxidant response. However, IGFR deficient astrocytes were more sensitive to H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity. Moreover, IGFR deficient astrocytes also showed significantly impaired glucose and Aβ uptake, both critical functions of astrocytes in the brain.

Conclusions

Regulation of astrocytic mitochondrial function and redox status by IGF-1 is essential to maintain astrocytic function and coordinate hippocampal-dependent spatial learning. Age-related astrocytic dysfunction caused by diminished IGF-1 signaling may contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and other age-associated cognitive pathologies.

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Altered mitochondrial structure and function with IGFR deficiency in astrocytes is proposed.

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Increased reactive oxygen species production and susceptibility to peroxide induced cytotoxicity.

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Decreased Aβ uptake and impairment in spatial working memory.

Sco2 deficient mice develop increased adiposity and insulin resistance

Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) is an essential transmembrane protein complex (Complex IV) in the mitochondrial respiratory electron chain. Mutations in genes responsible for the assembly of COX are associated with Leigh syndrome, cardiomyopathy, spinal muscular atrophy and other fatal metabolic disorders in humans. Previous studies have shown that mice lacking the COX assembly protein Surf1 (Surf1^-/- mice) paradoxically show a number of beneficial metabolic phenotypes including increased insulin sensitivity, upregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, induction of stress response pathways and increased lifespan. To determine whether these effects are specific to the Surf1 mutation or a more general effect of reduced COX activity, we asked whether a different mutation causing reduced COX activity would have similar molecular and physiologic changes. Sco2 knock-in/knock-out (KI/KO) mice in which one allele of the Sco2 gene that encodes a copper chaperone required for COX activity is deleted and the second allele is mutated, have previously been shown to be viable despite a 30-60% reduction in COX activity. In contrast to the Surf1^-/- mice, we show that Sco2 KI/KO mice have increased fat mass, associated with reduced β-oxidation and increased adipogenesis markers, reduced insulin receptor beta (IR-β levels in adipose tissue, reduced muscle glucose transporter 4 (Glut4) levels and a impaired response to the insulin tolerance test consistent with insulin resistance. COX activity and protein are reduced approximately 50% in adipose tissue from the Sco2 KI/KO mice. Consistent with the increase in adipose tissue mass, the Sco2 KI/KO mice also show increased hepatosteatosis, elevated serum and liver triglyceride and increased serum cholesterol levels compared to wild-type controls. In contrast to the Surf1^-/- mice, which show increased mitochondrial number, upregulation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR^MT) pathway and no significant change in mitochondrial respiration in several tissues, Sco2 KI/KO mice do not upregulate the UPR^MT, and tissue oxygen consumption and levels of several proteins involved in mitochondrial function are reduced in adipose tissue compared to wild type mice. Thus, the metabolic effects of the Sco2 and Surf1^-/- mutations are opposite, despite comparable changes in COX activity, illuminating the complex impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on physiology and pointing to an important role for complex IV in regulating metabolism.

Stromal myofibroblasts in oral squamous cell carcinoma and potentially malignant disorders

INTRODUCTION

Concurrent with the progression of a non- diseased epithelium to the pre-cancerous epithelium to carcinoma, the stroma also undergoes modifications. Myofibroblasts are important stromal cells that play a crucial role in carcinogenesis. The current study investigated the presence of myofibroblasts in healthy oral mucosa, potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study material consisted of a total of 106 samples categorized into three groups, namely, Group I - Oral SCC (OSCC) (n = 42), Group II - PMDs (n = 32) and Group III - Oral healthy mucosa (n = 32) subjected to immunohistochemical analysis using alpha Smooth Muscle Actin.

RESULTS

Among the 42 cases of OSCC, the staining index was negative in 23 cases (54.7%), low in 9 cases(21.4%) and moderate in 10 cases (23.8%). The stroma of cases of verrucous carcinoma, cases of Hyperkeratosis with epithelial dysplasia, 77.5% of the cases of oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) and healthy oral mucosa were devoid of myofibroblasts resulting in a grade of "0" in all cases.Two of the cases of OSMF (12.5%) showed low staining index for myofibroblast. There was a significant difference in the myofibroblasts expression between the Groups (Kruskal-Wallis test P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The findings of the current study justify "myofibroblast" as one among the key stromal element in tumor progression. Future studies involving a larger sample size along with follow up of patients with PMDs are essential to identify the exact stage in which they emerge in the stroma of these lesions.

Pathological changes in hippocampal neuronal circuits underlie age-associated neurodegeneration and memory loss: positive clue toward SAD

Among vertebrates hippocampus forms the major component of the brain in consolidating information from short-term memory to long-term memory. Aging is considered as the major risk factor for memory impairment in sporadic Alzheimer's disease (SAD) like pathology. Present study thus aims at investigating whether age-specific degeneration of neuronal-circuits in hippocampal formation (neural-layout of Subiculum-hippocampus proper-dentate gyrus (DG)-entorhinal cortex (EC)) results in cognitive impairment. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effect of Resveratrol (RSV) was attempted to study in the formation of hippocampal neuronal-circuits. Radial-Arm-Maze was conducted to evaluate hippocampal-dependent spatial and learning memory in control and experimental rats. Nissl staining of frontal cortex (FC), subiculum, hippocampal-proper (CA1→CA2→CA3→CA4), DG, amygdala, cerebellum, thalamus, hypothalamus, layers of temporal and parietal lobe of the neocortex were examined for pathological changes in young and aged wistar rats, with and without RSV. Hippocampal trisynaptic circuit (EC layerII→DG→CA3→CA1) forming new memory and monosynaptic circuit (EC→CA1) that strengthen old memories were found disturbed in aged rats. Loss of Granular neuron observed in DG and polymorphic cells of CA4 can lead to decreased mossy fibers disturbing neural-transmission (CA4→CA3) in perforant pathway. Further, intensity of nissl granules (stratum lacunosum moleculare (SLM)-SR-SO) of CA3 pyramidal neurons was decreased, disturbing the communication in schaffer collaterals (CA3-CA1) during aging. We also noticed disarranged neuronal cell layer in Subiculum (presubiculum (PrS)-parasubiculum (PaS)), interfering output from hippocampus to prefrontal cortex (PFC), EC, hypothalamus, and amygdala that may result in interruption of thought processes. We conclude from our observations that poor memory performance of aged rats as evidenced through radial arm maze (RAM) analysis was due to the defect in neuronal-circuits of hippocampus (DG-CA4-CA1-Sub) that were significantly damaged leading to memory impairment. Interestingly, RSV was observed to culminate pathological events in the hippocampal neuronal circuit during aging, proving them as potent therapeutic drug against age-associated neurodegeneration and memory loss.

Removal of nickel(II) from aqueous solution using Citrus Limettioides peel and seed carbon

The agricultural wastes like Citrus Limettioides peel and seed to be suitable precursor for the preparation of carbon [Citrus Limettioides peel carbon (CLPC) and seed carbon (CLSC)] has been explored in the present work, utilizing sulfuric acid as the activating agent. Adsorption studies were performed by varying contact time, solution pH, adsorbent dose and temperature. The equilibrium time for Ni(II) ions was determined as 4h and optimal pH was 4-7. Surface morphology and functionality of the CLPC and CLSC were characterized by SEM, EDX and FT-IR. The experimental data were analysed using the Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin, Redlich-Peterson, Sips and Dubinin-Radushkevich adsorption isotherm equations using nonlinear regression analysis. Equilibrium data were found to fit well in the Langmuir isotherm, which confirmed the monolayer coverage of Ni(II) ions. The Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity of CLPC and CLSC was found to be 38.46 and 35.54 mg/g. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The kinetic data followed pseudo-second order model with film diffusion process. The adsorbents were tested with Ni(II) plating wastewater in connection with the reuse and selectivity of the adsorbents.

The role of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the ERCC1 and MMS19 genes in predicting platinum-sensitivity, progression-free and overall survival in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the role of polymorphisms in DNA repair genes, excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) and methyl-methanesulfonate sensitivity 19 (MMS19), in tumor response to platinum-based chemotherapy and survival in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

METHODS

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis was performed on the paraffin-embedded tumor tissue of women with advanced EOC, treated with platinum-based chemotherapy at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Polymorphisms from two ERCC1 (codon-118 and C8092A) and three MMS19 (rs2211243, rs2236575 and rs872106) gene loci were evaluated by real time PCR Allelic Discrimination Assay.

RESULTS

Genotyping was performed in 107 patients, 45 platinum-sensitive and 62 platinum-resistant. ERCC1, codon-118 and C8092A genotyping was evaluable in 98 and 106 patients respectively and in all 107 patients for MMS19 polymorphisms. No differences were observed in genotype between platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant patients. Polymorphisms in the ERCC1, codon-118 and MMS19 genes did not correlate with overall survival (OS), although a trend toward improved progression free survival (PFS) was observed in patients expressing the minor (GG) alleles of the rs872106 MMS19 gene. Women homozygous for the ERCC1-C8092A minor (AA) alleles had a significant increase in PFS compared to AC and CC patients and both AA and AC genotypes conferred improved survival over the major (CC) genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

Polymorphisms in ERCC1, codon-118 and MMS19 genes are not associated with clinical response to platinum or survival. The ERCC1-C8092A genotypes containing an "A" allele were associated with significant improvement in PFS and OS strengthening the value of this specific genotype in survival.

BACE1 in Alzheimer's disease

Targeting BACE1 (β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 or β-secretase) is the focus of Alzheimer's disease (AD) research because this aspartyl protease is involved in the abnormal production of β amyloid plaques (Aβ), the hallmark of its pathophysiology. Evidence suggests that there is a strong connection between AD and BACE1. As such, strategies to inhibit Aβ formation in the brain should prove beneficial for AD treatment. Aβ, the product of the large type1 trans-membrane protein amyloid precursor protein (APP), is produced in a two-step proteolytic process initiated by BACE1 (β-secretase) and followed by γ-secretase. Due to its apparent rate limiting function, BACE1 appears to be a prime target to prevent Aβ generation in AD. Following its discovery, the BACE1 has been cloned, its structure solved, novel physiologic substrates discovered and numerous inhibitors developed. This review focuses on elucidating the role of BACE1 to facilitate drug development in the treatment of AD.

Age estimation in an Indian population using pulp/tooth volume ratio of mandibular canines obtained from cone beam computed tomography

The present study assessed the suitability of pulp/tooth volume ratio of mandibular canines for age prediction in an Indian population. Volumetric reconstruction of scanned images of mandibular canines from 140 individuals (aged ten - 70 years), using computed tomography was used to measure pulp and tooth volumes. Age calculated using a formula reported earlier for a Belgian sample, resulted in errors > ten years in almost 86% of the study population. The regression equation obtained for the Indian population: Age = 57.18 + (- 413.41 x pulp/tooth volume ratio), was applied to an independent control group (n = 48), and this resulted in mean absolute errors of 8.54 years which was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those derived with the Belgian formula. The pulp/tooth volume ratio is a useful indicator of age, although correlations may vary in different populations and hence, specific formulae should be applied for the estimates.

FC12-02 - The neural response to relatives’; criticisms and compliments in individuals with a schizotypal personality

A high level of expressed emotion (EE) in the form of criticism and hostility by family members towards schizophrenia patients increases the risk of relapse to a psychotic episode. Studying the neural response to relatives’ criticisms would help to understand how patients interpret and cope with EE in terms of the salience patients attach to criticisms and how this information is encoded and stored. Formerly depressed patients fail to activate the dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) on hearing maternal criticisms. We tested the hypothesis, for the first time, that individuals with high schizotypy would have an altered DLPFC and ACC response to relatives’ criticisms. Twenty-four healthy individuals, 12 with low schizotypy (LS) and 12 with high schizotypy (HS), listened to a close relative's criticisms, compliments and neutral comments about them while undergoing functional MRI. The relative's EE level was assessed using the Camberwell Family Interview. HS relatives were more likely to show high EE than LS relatives. Activation maps in LS and HS groups during each comment type were compared using SPM5. During criticisms relative to neutral comments, HS activated and LS deactivated the DLPFC and ACC. During compliments relative to neutral comments, LS activated and HS deactivated the insula, lingual gyrus, cerebellum, thalamus, postcentral gyrus and medial frontal gyrus. Our finding of DLPFC-ACC activation in HS, but deactivation in LS individuals when listening to relatives’ criticisms suggests that HS individuals may have difficulty suppressing emotional interference during cognitive control.