Imaging of glutamate neurotransmitter alterations in Alzheimer's disease.

Publication/Presentation Date

4-1-2013

Abstract

Glutamate (Glu) is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and has been shown to decrease in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Using a glutamate chemical (amine) exchange saturation transfer (GluCEST) method, we imaged the change in [Glu] in the APP-PS1 transgenic mouse model of AD at high spatial resolution. Compared with wild-type controls, AD mice exhibited a notable reduction in GluCEST contrast (~30%) in all areas of the brain. The change in [Glu] was further validated through (1) H MRS. A positive correlation was observed between GluCEST contrast and (1) H MRS-measured Glu/total creatine ratio. This method potentially provides a novel noninvasive biomarker for the diagnosis of the disease in preclinical stages and enables the development of disease-modifying therapies for AD.

Volume

26

Issue

4

First Page

386

Last Page

391

ISSN

1099-1492

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

23045158

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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