The role of the globus pallidus subregions in the schizophrenia spectrum continuum

Within the cortico-basal ganglia network, the volume and functional connectivity (FC) of the globus pallidus (GP) are altered in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, with GP enlargement being relatively specific to schizophrenia compared to other disorders. However, little is known about alterations in its two major segments, externus (GPe) and internus (GPi), in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. In this study, we compared GPe/GPi volume and FC between schizophrenia and controls (n > 100), and examined the associations of GPe/GPi volume and FC with subclinical psychotic experiences (SPEs) in early adolescents (n > 200). We found GPe-dominant enlargement and increased GPe FC with the angular gyrus and putamen in schizophrenia. Additionally, we observed a positive association between GPe volume and SPEs in adolescence, as well as larger GPe FC with the lingual gyrus in adolescents with SPEs compared to those without. Future translational studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying such GP subregion-specific neurophysiological roles.