A twin study of genetic contributions to hippocampal morphology in schizophrenia

Katherine L. Narr, Theo G.M. Van Erp, Tyrone D. Cannon, Roger P. Woods, Paul M. Thompson, Seonah Jang, Rebecca Blanton, Veli Pekka Poutanen, Matti Huttunen, Jouko Lönnqvist, Carl Gustav Standerksjöld-Nordenstam, Jaakko Kaprio, John C. Mazziotta, Arthur W. Toga

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

90 Scopus citations

Abstract

Our goal was to establish whether altered hippocampal morphology represents a trait marker for genetic vulnerability in schizophrenia. We outlined the hippocampi on high-resolution MR images obtained from matched samples of control and discordant monozygotic and dizygotic co-twins (N = 40 pairs). Hippocampal measures were used in statistical tests specifically designed to identify disease-associated genetic and nongenetic influences on morphology. 3D surface average maps of the hippocampus were additionally compared in biological risk groups. Smaller hippocampal volumes were confirmed in schizophrenia. Dizygotic affected co-twins showed smaller left hippocampi compared to their healthy siblings. Disease-associated effects were not present between monozygotic discordant co-twins. Monozygotic, but not dizygotic, unaffected co-twins exhibited smaller left hippocampi compared to control twins, supporting genetic influences. Surface areas and posterior volumes similarly revealed schizophrenia and genetic liability effects. Results suggest that hippocampal volume reduction may be a trait marker for identifying individuals possessing a genetic predisposition for schizophrenia.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)83-95
Number of pages13
JournalNeurobiology of Disease
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002
Externally publishedYes

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