Study on neural generators of N400 in first episode schizophrenia / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the features and neural generators of the events related potentials ( ERP) component N400, elicited by congruent and incongruent ending sentences, in first episode schizophrenia patients. Methods N400 was elicited by 76 congruent (31) or incongruent (45) ending Chinese sentences paradigm, and recorded by WJ-1 ERP instruments in 56 first episode schizophrenia. The neural generators of N400 different wave in 105 -615 ms time windows were analyzed by Brain Electrical Activity Mapping software. Results① The N400 latencies were significantly longer and amplitudes significantly higher in incongruent conditions than in congruent conditions in first episode schizophrenia (P < 0.05 or P <0.01).② N400 elicited by Chinese sentences distributed on frontal, parietal, occipital and temporal regions, and had a clear waveform. ③ The main brain areas activated by N400 were frontal areas in 345 -405 ms time windows, and central areas in 420 - 570 ms time windows. Conclusion N400 elicited by Chinese sentences are multi-generated in first episode schizophrenia, especially in frontal area.