PARVALBUMIN-IMMUNOREACTIVE NEURONS ARE REDUCED IN THE PREFRONTAL CORTEX OF SCHIZOPHRENICS

Recent studies have provided evidence for a functional impairment of g amma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-containing interneurons in the prefronta l cortex of schizophrenics. This evidence includes reported deficits o f basket and chandelier cells, which are known to contain the calcium- binding protein parvalbumin. Using a monoclonal antibody against parva lbumin we investigated possible changes in this subpopulation of neuro ns in the prefrontal cortex of schizophrenic cases and controls. Signi ficantly reduced numbers of parvalbumin-immunoreactive neurons were ob served in Iaminae III and IV, while no difference was detected in cort ical width. Our findings are consistent with damage following a toxic insult, occurring during a developmental 'window of vulnerability' and specifically affecting this subpopulation of GABAergic neurons.