A recent study focused on measures traditionally associated with synaptic spine density or activity, aiming to determine if there is reduced synaptic density in this disorder. The findings indicate that schizophrenia is linked to lower grey matter volumes and cortical thickness, accelerated grey matter loss, abnormal gyrification patterns, and reduced levels of regional synaptic protein 2A (SV2A) and metabolic markers in comparison to controls. Affected brain regions include the frontal, anterior cingulate, temporal cortices, and the hippocampi, with effect sizes ranging from approximately -0.11 to -1.0. While these results suggest lower synaptic density in certain brain regions, there are limitations in interpreting these findings, and gaps remain in understanding whether SV2A findings apply to other cohorts.
Reference: Howes OD, Cummings C, Chapman GE, Shatalina E. Neuroimaging in schizophrenia: an overview of findings and their implications for synaptic changes. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2023 Jan;48(1):151-167. doi: 10.1038/s41386-022-01426-x. Epub 2022 Sep 2. PMID: 36056106; PMCID: PMC9700830.
