Mapping the Alterations of Glutamate Using Glu-Weighted CEST MRI in a Rat Model of Fatigue.

Abstract

Objective: Glutamate dysregulation may play an important role in the pathophysiology of fatigue. Glutamate weighted chemical exchange saturation transfer (Glu-weighted CEST) MRI is a recently developed technology which enables measuring glutamate in vivo with high sensitivity and spatial resolution. The purpose of this study is to map the alternations of brain glutamate in a rat model of fatigue. Methods: Rats were subjected to 10 days fatigue loading procedure (fatigue group) or reared without any fatigue loading (control group). Spontaneous activities of rats in the fatigue group were recorded from 3 days before fatigue loading to 4 days after the end of fatigue loading. Glu-weighted CEST were performed following 10-day fatigue loading. Results: Rats in the fatigue group exhibited significant reduced spontaneous activities after 10-day fatigue loading. The glutamate level in the whole brain increased significantly in the fatigue group compared to that in the control group. Further analysis of glutamate in the sub-regions of brain including the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum revealed a trend of increment, although statistical significance was not reached. Significance: The increase of glutamate level in the brain may be a crucial process involved in the pathophysiology of fatigue.

• Authors: Ruili Li, Zhuozhi Dai, Di Hu, Haiyan Zeng, Zeman Fang, Zerui Zhuang, Haiyun Xu, Qingjun Huang, Yilong Cui, Handi Zhang
• Journal: Frontiers in neurology (Front Neurol) Vol. 11 Pg. 589128 ( 2020) ISSN: 1664-2295 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 33250853 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2020 Li, Dai, Hu, Zeng, Fang, Zhuang, Xu, Huang, Cui and Zhang.