Burning odor-elicited anxiety in OEF/OIF combat veterans: inverse relationship to gray matter volume in olfactory cortex

摘要: Despite the anatomical overlap between brain's fear/threat and olfactory systems, a very limited number of investigations have considered role odors central system in pathophysiology PTSD. The goal present study was to assess structural differences primary secondary cortex combat veterans with without PTSD (CV + PTSD, CV-PTSD, respectively). An additional determine relationship gray matter volume (GMV) distressing properties burning-related odors. A region interest voxel-based morphometric (VBM) approach used measure GMV well-characterized group CV + PTSD (n = 20) CV-PTSD (n = 25). Prior MRI exam, combat-related (i.e., burning rubber) control were systematically sampled rated according their potential for eliciting symptoms. Results showed that exhibited significantly reduced anterior piriform (primary olfactory) orbitofrontal (secondary cortices compared (both p < .01). For entire group, bilateral inversely related rubber odor-elicited memories trauma (p < .05). both clinical laboratory measures symptoms (all p < .05). In addition replicating an established inverse anxiety-associated brain structures symptomatology, extends those findings by being first report volumetric decreases are Potential mechanisms underlying these discussed.