Alterations in Prefrontal Cortical Somatostatin Neurons in Schizophrenia: Evidence for Weaker Inhibition of Pyramidal Neuron Dendrites.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Certain cognitive processes require inhibition provided by the somatostatin (SST) class of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurons in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). This inhibition onto pyramidal neuron dendrites depends on both SST and GABA signaling. Although SST messenger RNA (mRNA) levels are lower in the DLPFC in schizophrenia, it is not known whether SST neurons exhibit alterations in the capacity to synthesize GABA, principally via the 67-kilodalton isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67).

Methods

GAD67 and SST mRNA levels were quantified in individual SST neurons using fluorescence in situ hybridization in DLPFC layers 2/superficial 3, where SST neurons are enriched, in individuals with schizophrenia (n = 46) and unaffected comparison (n

SUBMITTER: Dienel SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12302403 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature