Structural abnormalities in gyri of the prefrontal cortex in individuals with schizophrenia and their unaffected siblings

Background: The relatives of individuals with schizophrenia exhibit deficits of overall frontal lobe volume, consistent with a genetic contribution to these deficits. Aims: To quantify the structure of gyral-defined subregions of prefrontal cortex in individuals with schizophrenia and their siblings. Method: Grey matter volume, cortical thickness, and surface area of the superior, middle and inferior frontal gyri were measured in participants with schizophrenia and their unaffected (non-psychotic) siblings (n=26 pairs), and controls and their siblings (n=40 pairs). Results: Grey matter volume was reduced in the middle and inferior frontal gyri of individuals with schizophrenia, relative to controls. However, only inferior frontal gyrus volume was also reduced in the unaffected siblings of those with schizophrenia, yielding a volume intermediate between their affected siblings and controls. Conclusions: The structure of subregions of the prefrontal cortex may be differentially influenced by genetic factors in schizophrenia, with inferior frontal gyrus volume being most related to familial risk.