Rapid improvement in cortical neuronal integrity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis detected by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging.

Abstract

Riluzole prolongs survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The temporal and spatial profile of its effect on the brain is unknown. We used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging to evaluate the neuronal response to 1 day of riluzole treatment in motor and non-motor regions of the brain. In 10 patients the N-acetylaspartate/total creatine (NAA/Cr) ratio increased in the precentral gyrus and supplementary motor area, but not in the post-central gyrus or parietal lobe. Improvement in cortical neuronal metabolic function in the motor cortex occurs early with riluzole treatment.

• Authors: Sanjay Kalra, Peter Tai, Angela Genge, Douglas L Arnold
• Journal: Journal of neurology (J Neurol) Vol. 253 Issue 8 Pg. 1060-3 (Aug 2006) ISSN: 0340-5354 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 16609809 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Neuroprotective Agents
• Protons
• Riluzole

Topics

• Aged
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (drug therapy, metabolism, physiopathology)
• Case-Control Studies
• Cerebral Cortex (drug effects, metabolism, physiopathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (methods)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nerve Regeneration (drug effects)
• Neuroprotective Agents (therapeutic use)
• Protons
• Riluzole (therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome