Entorhinal cortex pre-alpha cell clusters in schizophrenia: Quantitative evidence of a developmental abnormality

Background: Previous studies using semiquantitative or qualitative techniqu es demonstrated abnormalities of positioning of clusters of neurons (pre-al pha cells) in the entorhinal cortex in schizophrenia, suggesting a developm ental mechanism could contribute to the illness. Recent quantitative studie s of laminar thickness and laminar cell counts have been less consistent an d several failed to replicate the finding. However, none of the quantitativ e studies focused on the position of the pre-alpha cell clusters. Methods: To study pre-alpha cell position in detail, we examined the entorh inal cortex in serial sections from 21 control and 19 schizophrenic brains. Cluster position relative tot the gray-white matter junction and cluster s ize were measured. Results: Quantitative assessment of 1991 clusters indicated clusters were p ositioned relatively closer to the gray-matter junction in the anterior hal f of schizophrenic entorhinal cortices. In addition, the size of clusters i n males with schizophrenia was reduced. Conclusions: These results support the model of schizophrenia as an illness in which brain developed is impaired. The findings in males with schizophr enia may indicate the presence of more severe pathology, or an additional p athogenic mechanism. (C) Society of Biological Psycharity.