The excitatory-inhibitory imbalance hypothesis postulates dysregulation of the
gamma-aminobutyric acid (
GABA) and
glutamate (Glu)
neurotransmitter systems as a common underlying deficit in individuals with
autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Previous studies suggest an important role of these systems in the pathophysiology of ASD, including a study of our group reporting decreased
glutamate concentrations in the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of adults with ASD. The aim of this study was to replicate our previous findings of impaired
glutamate metabolism in ASD in a new sample and to additionally quantify
GABA in the ACC and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). Concentrations of
GABA and
glutamate-
glutamine (Glx; combined
glutamate and
glutamine signal) were quantified in the ACC and dlPFC of 43 adults with ASD and 43 neurotypical controls (NTC) by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The ASD group showed increased absolute
GABA concentrations and elevated
GABA/
creatine ratios in the left dlPFC compared to NTC, while no group differences were detected in the pregenual and dorsal ACC. Previous findings of altered Glx concentration in the pregenual ACC of the ASD group could not be replicated. Regarding Glx concentrations and Glx/
creatine ratios, there were no significant differences in the dlPFC and ACC either. The study supports the hypothesis of an altered
GABA and
glutamate equilibrium, indicating an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory metabolism in ASD patients. However, inconsistent results across studies and brain regions suggest a complex underlying phenomenon. LAY SUMMARY: Adults of the
autism spectrum exhibit elevated levels of the inhibitory
neurotransmitter GABA in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This finding supports the hypothesis of an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory equilibrium in patients with
autism spectrum disorders.