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(1)H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) in methamphetamine dependence and methamphetamine induced psychosis

Fleur M Howells1, Anne Uhlmann1, Henk Temmingh1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Schizophrenia Research
|February 18, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Methamphetamine (MA) use significantly reduces neuronal integrity markers in the brain. Early MA initiation and prolonged use correlate with neurodegeneration in MA-dependent individuals, especially those with psychosis.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Methamphetamine (MA) use is linked to reduced n-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), a marker of neuronal integrity.
  • Limited research has compared brain metabolites in MA-dependent individuals versus those with MA-induced psychotic disorder (MAP).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare (1)H-MRS metabolite concentrations in individuals with MA dependence and MAP, and healthy controls.
  • To investigate the relationship between MA use patterns and neurochemical changes.

Main Methods:

  • 2D-chemical shift imaging (1)H-MRS was performed on 26 MA-dependent individuals (16 without psychosis, 10 with psychosis) and 19 healthy controls.
  • Metabolite concentrations (NAA, NAA+NAAG, Glu, Glu+Gln, myo-inositol, GPC+PCh) were measured relative to PCr+Cr in the ACC, DLPFC, and frontal white matter.

Main Results:

  • MA groups showed decreased relative NAA in the right ACC and right DLPFC compared to controls.
  • MA dependence was associated with decreased choline metabolites in the right DLPFC compared to controls.
  • In the MAP group, NAA concentrations correlated with age of initial MA use and duration of use, unlike in the MA-dependent group.

Conclusions:

  • MA use is associated with reduced neuronal integrity in the right ACC and DLPFC.
  • MA dependence may involve active neurodegeneration in the right DLPFC, potentially mitigated by antipsychotic use in the MAP group.
  • Early MA initiation and prolonged use in MAP may indicate altered neuronal plasticity and integrity.
Keywords:
Anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)Frontal white matterMethamphetamine (MA)Psychosisn-Acetyl-aspartate (NAA)

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