Neuroscience 2004 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 919.2 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | MGN cellular changes associated with increased degree of cortical disruption. |
| Authors: |
Peiffer, A. M.*1
; McClure, M. M.1
; Threlkeld, S. W.1
; Rosen, G. D.2
; Fitch, R.1
1Dept. of Psychology, BNS Div., Univ. of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 2MA, 3107 Horse Barn Hill Rd, 06269, |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions - Developmental Disorders -- Acquired |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Sensory Systems<br />- Auditory<br />-- Auditory cortex: Perception, cognition, and action |
| Session: |
919. Developmental Disorders: Sensory and Metabolic Disorders Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Wednesday, October 27, 2004 9:00 AM-10:00 AM |
| Location: | San Diego Convention Center - Hall A-H, Board # EEE29 |
| Keywords: | Microgyria, Thalamus, Auditory Processing, Dyslexia |
Convergent data supports an association between disruptions of cortical neuromigration (i.e., focal cortical anomalies), anomalous morphology of the auditory thalamus (MGN), and disruptions in rapid auditory processing (RAP). Moreover, in language impaired humans, RAP deficits have been linked with impairments of language and reading, while other reports show focal cortical anomalies in human dyslexic brains. Taken together, evidence suggests that focal cortical anomalies may play a role in the etiology of auditory processing deficits and language impairments in human populations. Recently, we reported that in a rat model, double-pair bilateral microgyric male rats showed significantly more severe behavioral RAP deficits compared to single-pair microgyric littermates (who were in turn worse than shams; Peiffer et al., SFN 2003). Currently, we report preliminary findings that more severe disruptions are also seen at the thalamic level in double-pair as compared to single-pair microgyric subjects. While analysis on the cell size distribution within the MGN for microgyric/sham subjects was consistent with prior evidence (i.e., microgyrics show a shift to more small and fewer large cells relative to shams; p =.07, one-tail), double-pair microgyric subjects had a significantly greater shift in cell size distribution compared to single-pair microgyric subjects (p < .01). Further, double-pair microgyrics had fewer cells overall in the MGN (p<.02) and a smaller MGN volume (p<.03) when compared to shams. Results suggest that an increase in the degree of cortical damage during early development is associated with more profound effects on the auditory thalamus, which may in turn relate to evidence of more severe RAP deficits. These findings have critical implications to our understanding of the etiology of language impairments in humans.
Supported by NIH #HD20806 to RHF
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2004 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. San Diego, CA: Society for Neuroscience, 2004. Online.
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