Proposed model of hippocampal pathology in subjects at genetic risk for psychosis. (IMAGE)

Elsevier

Proposed model of hippocampal pathology in subjects at genetic risk for psychosis.

Caption

Hemizygosity of critical genes, together with additional genomic variants and environmental factors can lead to increased levels of excitatory neurotransmitters in the hippocampus. Protracted levels of excitatory neurotransmitters in the hippocampus can cause neuronal death and atrophy, which could reflect the reduction of hippocampal volume that we observed with neuroimaging techniques. These structural and functional abnormalities of the hippocampus can explain the worsening of cognitive symptoms.

Credit

Biological Psychiatry

Usage Restrictions

Please include attribution.

License

Original content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.