Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and is integral to managing brain excitability. GABA concentrations vary according to age, gender, and brain region. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), with editing or with localized 2-dimensional chemical shift methods, can measure GABA levels in vivo, ex vivo, or in vitro, particularly at ultra-high magnetic field strengths. Proton ((1)H) MRS studies have found reduced or abnormal GABA concentrations in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, anxiety disorders, major depression, and drug addiction. Disorders with low GABA levels may be treated by augmentation of GABAergic function, such as by medications that block the degradation or reuptake of GABA. Examples of such a rational therapeutic approach include anticonvulsants that elevate brain GABA levels and are effective for the treatment of epilepsy and anxiety disorder.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Anxiety Disorders / diagnosis
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Anxiety Disorders / drug therapy
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Anxiety Disorders / metabolism
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Brain / metabolism*
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Brain / physiopathology
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Brain Chemistry
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Creatine / metabolism
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Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
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Depressive Disorder / metabolism
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Epilepsy / diagnosis
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Epilepsy / drug therapy
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Epilepsy / metabolism
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GABA Agents / pharmacology
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GABA Agents / therapeutic use
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Humans
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Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy*
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Mental Disorders / diagnosis*
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Mental Disorders / drug therapy
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Mental Disorders / metabolism
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Mood Disorders / diagnosis
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Mood Disorders / drug therapy
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Mood Disorders / metabolism
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Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis*
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Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy
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Nervous System Diseases / metabolism
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Receptors, GABA / drug effects
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Receptors, GABA / metabolism
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Receptors, GABA / physiology
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Synaptic Transmission / physiology
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gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / metabolism
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gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / physiology*
Substances
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GABA Agents
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Receptors, GABA
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gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
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Creatine