Articles

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of neurotransmitters in human brain

  1. Edward J. Novotny Jr. MD1,2,*,
  2. Robert K. Fulbright MD3,
  3. Phillip L. Pearl MD4,
  4. K. Michael Gibson PhD5,
  5. Douglas L. Rothman PhD3

Article first published online: 25 JUL 2003

DOI: 10.1002/ana.10697

Issue

Annals of Neurology

Annals of Neurology

Supplement: Pediatric Neurotransmitter Diseases

Volume 54, Issue Supplement 6, pages S25–S31, 2003

Additional Information

How to Cite

Novotny, E. J., Fulbright, R. K., Pearl, P. L., Gibson, K. M. and Rothman, D. L. (2003), Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of neurotransmitters in human brain. Ann Neurol., 54: S25–S31. doi: 10.1002/ana.10697

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT

  2. 2

    Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT

  3. 3

    Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT

  4. 4

    Department of Neurology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC

  5. 5

    Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR

*Pediatrics and Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 208064; 333 Cedar Street, LMP 3089, New Haven, CT 06520-8064

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 25 JUL 2003
  2. Article first published online: 25 JUL 2003

Funded by

  • National Institute of Health. Grant Numbers: NINDS RO1-NS 38175, NIDA R21 DA015908, NS 40270, 43137
  • March of Dimes National Birth Defects Foundation. Grant Number: 1-FY00-352

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Abstract

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a noninvasive method that permits measurement of the concentration of specific biochemical compounds in the brain and other organ systems in precisely defined regions guided by MR imaging (MRI). Recently, MRS methods have been developed to measure specific neurotransmitters in the brain. More advanced MRS methods have been developed to measure the synthesis rates and turnover of specific neurotransmitters. These turnover rates can provide measures of brain metabolism similar to radioisotope techniques. Also, investigations of the relationship of brain metabolism and specific neurotransmitter systems are now possible using MRS. Here, we review the MRS techniques and studies of neurotransmitters in the human brain. A discussion of the potential use of these techniques in the context of certain pediatric neurotransmitter disorders will be presented. Ann Neurol 2003;54 (Suppl 6):S25–S31

View Full Article (HTML) Get PDF (196K)