An exploratory proton MRS examination of gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, and glutamine and their relationship to affective aspects of chronic pain

• DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2020.03.002
• Publication Date: 2020-03-19T16:43:38Z
• Authors: Margaret D. Legar...; Chandni Sheth; Andrew P. Prescot; Perry F. Renshaw; Erin C. McGlade; Deborah A. Yurgel...
• Keywords: Pain catastrophizing

Veterans experience chronic pain more frequently than civilians. Identification of neurobiological mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology in a veteran population may aid development novel treatment targets. In this pilot proof-of-concept study, veterans with (N = 61) and no 19) completed clinical interviews, self-report questionnaires inquiring about history, interference daily life, catastrophizing, as well measures depressive anxious symptoms. also underwent single-voxel proton (1H) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) at 3 T anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) using two-dimensional (2D) J-resolved point sequence. We found group difference neurometabolites between without pain; however, intensity, negative thinking pain, description affective terms were associated lower GABA/Cre ACC. addition, Glu/GABA ratio ACC was positively anxiety symptoms pain. Reductions GABA contribute to increased intensity greater catastrophizing Furthermore, disturbance excitatory-inhibitory balance related Given nature these findings must be considered preliminary.