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Abstract
Evidence from brain imaging studies indicates that white matter volume, density and
fractional anisotropy may be altered in individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar
disorder. However, the molecular correlates of these deficits remain unknown. In this
study we performed a cytoarchitectural assessment of the white matter adjacent to
the planum temporale (PT), an auditory association region located within the superior
temporal gyrus, in subjects with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive
disorder and controls (15 subjects per group). Using two-dimensional measures, we
recorded the cell density, distribution and size of all neurons and glial nuclei within
this region. Glial density was lower in the schizophrenia group, relative to the control
group. Neuronal density, neuronal size, and glial nuclear size did not differ between
groups. No significant differences in neuronal clustering were observed in the patient
groups. Further studies are required to examine whether the observed decrease in glial
density within the superior temporal white matter in schizophrenia reflects a deficit
in any individual glial cell population.