Memory in multiple sclerosis is linked to glutamate concentration in grey matter regions

Muhlert, Nils ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6414-5589, Atzori, M., De Vita, E., Thomas, D. L., Samson, R. S., Wheeler-Kingshott, C. A. M., Geurts, J. J. G., Miller, D. H., Thompson, A. J. and Ciccarelli, O. 2014. Memory in multiple sclerosis is linked to glutamate concentration in grey matter regions. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry 85 (8) , pp. 833-839. 10.1136/jnnp-2013-306662

Preview

PDF - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

Objective: Glutamate is the principal excitatory neurotransmitter and is involved in normal brain function. Cognitive impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), and understanding its mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatments. We used structural and metabolic brain imaging to test two hypotheses: (i) glutamate levels in grey matter regions are abnormal in MS, and (ii) patients show a relationship between glutamate concentration and memory performance. Methods: Eighteen patients with relapsing-remitting MS and 17 healthy controls were cognitively assessed and underwent 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3 T to assess glutamate levels in the hippocampus, thalamus, cingulate and parietal cortices. Regression models investigated the association between glutamate concentration and memory performance independently of magnetisation transfer ratio values and grey matter lesions withint he same regions, and whole-brain grey matter volume. Results: Patients had worse visual and verbal memory than controls. A positive relationship between glutamate levels in the hippocampal, thalamic and cingulate regions and visuospatial memory was detected in patients, but not in healthy controls. Conclusions: The relationship between memory and glutamate concentration, which is unique to MS patients, suggests the reliance of memory on glutamatergic systems in MS.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Publisher:	BMJ Publishing Group
ISSN:	0022-3050
Funders:	Wellcome Trust
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Last Modified:	24 May 2023 17:34
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/60851

Citation Data

Cited 69 times in Scopus. View in Scopus. Powered By Scopus® Data

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item