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Benzodiazepine receptor deficiency and tinnitus
A Shulman1, A M Strashun, J P Seibyl
1Martha Entenmann Tinnitus Research Center, Inc., Health Sciences Center at Brooklyn, State University of New York, Box 1239, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11203, USA. metrc@inch.com
The International Tinnitus Journal
|December 24, 2003
Summary
Severe tinnitus may stem from a brain benzodiazepine receptor deficiency, potentially linked to anxiety and depression. This finding suggests a new neurochemical marker for tinnitus severity and treatment targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Central tinnitus is a severe, disabling condition.
- A hypothesis suggests a link between medial temporal lobe benzodiazepine receptor deficiency and affective impairments like anxiety and depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis of benzodiazepine receptor deficiency in severe central tinnitus patients.
- To explore the relationship between tinnitus severity and GABAergic mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was used.
- The benzodiazepine radioligand 123I Iomazenil was administered.
- Visual analysis of SPECT imaging was performed on patients with severe tinnitus (N=6).
Main Results:
- Preliminary results showed diminished benzodiazepine-binding sites in the medial temporal cortex of all severe tinnitus patients.
- Findings are consistent with the hypothesis implicating GABAergic mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Abnormal gamma-aminobutyric acid-A benzodiazepine receptor density may serve as an objective neurochemical measure for central tinnitus severity.
- This finding provides a rationale for targeted treatment strategies.
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