Subtype-specific alterations of gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate in patients with major depression.

摘要: Background Measurement of cortical γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate concentrations is possible using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. An initial report, this technique, suggested that occipital cortex GABA are reduced in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) relative to healthy comparison subjects. Objectives To replicate the findings a larger sample MDD patients, examine clinical correlates reductions these subjects, other critical metabolite levels. Design Study for association. Setting Academic research program. Participants The measurements were made on 38 control subjects 33 depressed Interventions Occipital levels measured Main Outcome Measures GABA, glutamate, N -acetylaspartate, aspartate, creatine, choline-containing compounds, along several measures tissue composition, compared between 2 groups. Results Depressed had significantly lower controls ( P = .01). In addition, mean increased .009) percentage white matter .04) voxel also observed. examination combined database including from original study suggests differ among subtypes. Conclusions replicates decreased MDD. It demonstrates there change ratio excitatory-inhibitory neurotransmitter may be related altered brain function. Last, data set spectroscopy serve as biological marker subtype