Meynert's nucleus complex white matter abnormalities in autism spectrum disorders: An MRI study

摘要: Introduction : Cholinergic dysfunction has been proposed to play a role in autistic symtomatology. However, date, its structural correlates are poorly understood. Methods Twenty-five low-functioning, non-verbal males with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and 25 controls were enrolled the study. All underwent MR T1-weighted 3D Structural Imaging Diffusion Tensor Imaging. Grey white matter components of Meynert’s Nucleus Complex then identified on images, both grey density mean Fractional Anisotropy region interest quantified for each subject. Non-verbal IQ was assessed all subjects ASD. Results We showed reduced bundles surrounding ASD compared controls. these positively associated IQ, independently from whole brain Anisotropy. did not show significant abnormalities density. Conclusions Our findings suggest that might be involved cholinergic deficits