P8. Social brain network and autism spectrum disorder: Reduced connectivity to the frontal cortex

摘要: Subjects with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consistently present difficulties in social interaction. We presumed that subjects ASD impairments might be associated decreased activation and coupling of specific brain regions. examined ASD-related differences the connectivity areas involved processing facial, vocal audiovisual signals (i.e. fusiform face area (FFA), temporal voice (TVA), amygdala; Refs. (Bruck et al., 2011; Wicker 2008)). 10 adult 20 typically developed (TD) control took part study. Data was obtained using a 3T scanner (Siemens TRIO, BOLD-fMRI, 2D-EPI sequence: TR=1700ms, TE=30ms, 30 slices, 4mm thickness+1mm gap). Three functional blocked-design localizers were used to define vocal, (Refs. Kreifelts 2010; 2009). analyzed SPM8. Differences between TD controls explored by comparing pattern groups (ASD vs. TD). Different psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analyses aimed at identifying regions showing altered FFA, TVA, amygdala infer group connectivity. Statistical thresholds set height threshold p ⩽0.01 cluster-wise significance level PPI Faces (Fig. 1). (a) Group comparison: controls. analysis showed right left inferior frontal cortex ( x =−39, y =41, z =8). (b) Correlation AQ scores: Connectivity negatively correlated scores frontoorbital cortex, respectively =−38, =3). Voices 2). Highlighted medial indicate TVA =2, =−16, =16). superior inversely =20, =16, =23). In patients we found reduced known cognitive processes such as evaluating information. Future research should aim clarify whether cerebral rather considered cause or consequence impaired interactions ASD.