Meynert’s Nucleus Complex White Matter Abnormalities in Autism Spectrum Disorders: An MRI Study

Matteo Pardini; Francesco G. Garaci; Laszlo Zaborszky; Filadelfo Coniglione; Gianluca Serafini; Martina Siracusano; Francesca Benassi; Leonardo Emberti Gialloreti

doi:10.6000/2292-2598.2016.04.04.1

Authors

Matteo Pardini Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Largo Daneo 3, IT–16132 Genoa, Italy
Francesco G. Garaci Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
Laszlo Zaborszky Centre for Molecular and Behavioural Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 57 US Highway 1 New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8554 USA
Filadelfo Coniglione Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata
Gianluca Serafini Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Rome, Italy
Martina Siracusano Department of Neuroscience, Paediatric Neurology Unit, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy; Rome, Italy
Francesca Benassi Centre for Communication and Neurorehabilitation Research-CNAPP, Via Marcantonio Boldetti 12, 00162, Rome, Italy
Leonardo Emberti Gialloreti Centre for Communication and Neurorehabilitation Research-CNAPP, Via Marcantonio Boldetti 12, 00162, Rome, Italy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2016.04.04.1

Keywords:

Autism, cholinergic system, Meynert’s nucleus, diffusion tensor imaging, white matter

Abstract

Introduction: Cholinergic dysfunction has been proposed to play a role in autistic symtomatology. However, to 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 in the study. All underwent MR T1-weighted 3D Structural Imaging and Diffusion Tensor Imaging. Grey and white matter components of the Meynert’s Nucleus Complex were then identified on MR images, and both grey matter density and white matter mean Fractional Anisotropy in the Meynert’s Nucleus region of interest were quantified for each subject. Non-verbal IQ was assessed in all subjects with ASD.

Results: We showed reduced white matter Fractional Anisotropy in the bundles surrounding the Meynert’s Nucleus in ASD subjects compared to controls. Fractional Anisotropy in these bundles was positively associated with non-verbal IQ, independently from whole brain white matter mean Fractional Anisotropy. ASD subjects did not show significant abnormalities in Meynert’s Nucleus grey matter density.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that white matter abnormalities in the Meynert’s Nucleus might be involved in the cholinergic deficits of ASD.

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