Altered neurotransmitter metabolism in adolescents with high-functioning autism

Gerhard S. Drenthen, Evelien M. Barendse, Albert P. Aldenkamp, Tamar M. van Veenendaal, Nicolaas A.J. Puts, Richard A.E. Edden, Svitlana Zinger, Geert Thoonen, Marc P.H. Hendriks, Roy P.C. Kessels, Jacobus F.A. Jansen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Previous studies have suggested that alterations in excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmitters might play a crucial role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) can provide valuable information about abnormal brain metabolism and neurotransmitter concentrations. However, few 1H-MRS studies have been published on the imbalance of the two most abundant neurotransmitters in ASD: glutamate (Glu) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Moreover, to our knowledge none of these published studies is performed with a study population consisting purely of high-functioning autism (HFA) adolescents. Selecting only individuals with HFA eliminates factors possibly related to intellectual impairment instead of ASD. This study aims to assess Glu and GABA neurotransmitter concentrations in HFA. Occipital concentrations of Glu and GABA plus macromolecules (GABA+) were obtained using 1H-MRS relative to creatine (Cr) in adolescents with HFA (n=15 and n=13 respectively) and a healthy control group (n=17). Multiple linear regression revealed significantly higher Glu/Cr and lower GABA+/Glu concentrations in the HFA group compared to the controls. These results imply that imbalanced neurotransmitter levels of excitation and inhibition are associated with HFA in adolescents.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)44-49
Number of pages6
JournalPsychiatry Research - Neuroimaging
Volume256
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 30 2016

Keywords

  • Gamma-aminobutyric acid
  • Glutamate
  • Magnetic resonance spectroscopy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuroscience (miscellaneous)
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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