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GABA alterations in pediatric sport concussion
Seth D Friedman1, Andrew V Poliakov1, Christopher Budech1
1From the Seattle Children's Hospital and Research Institute (S.D.F., A.V.P., C.B., D.W.W.S., D.B., T.J., B.K., D.C, T.M.L., S.B., J.G.O.) and University of Washington (D.W.W.S., D.B., T.J., B.K., D.C., S.B., J.G.O.), Seattle.
Neurology
|October 15, 2017
Summary
Adolescents with sport concussion showed increased frontal lobe GABA levels, a neurotransmitter linked to brain function. This finding suggests altered brain chemistry following mild traumatic brain injury, impacting working memory.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sports Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) from sport concussion is linked to working memory deficits.
- Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) allows in vivo measurement of neurochemicals like γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in frontal lobe GABA levels using MRS in adolescents following a sport concussion.
- To explore the relationship between GABA levels and working memory task activation post-concussion.
Main Methods:
- Eleven adolescents (14-17 years) with recent sport concussion underwent MRI/MRS.
- GABA/creatine + phosphocreatine (Cre) ratios were measured in frontal lobe and posterior cingulate regions.
- Controls without head injury history were included for comparison.
Main Results:
- Concussed adolescents exhibited increased frontal lobe GABA/Cre.
- A decreased GABA/Cre relationship was noted in the parietal region.
- Frontal lobe GABA/Cre correlated with task activation in controls, but not in concussed participants.
Conclusions:
- Frontal lobe GABA/Cre is elevated in adolescents after sport concussion, particularly in regions associated with working memory.
- These findings suggest neurochemical changes post-TBI that may relate to cognitive impairments.
- Further research with larger cohorts and longitudinal data is warranted.