Observation of metabolic changes in chronic schizophrenia after neuroleptic treatment by in vivo hydrogen magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Abstract

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES:

The authors investigate: (1) whether there is a lateral effect of hydrogen (1H) magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy observable metabolite ratios between the right and the left prefrontal lobe in chronic schizophrenia; (2) whether there is a change of proton metabolite ratios in chronic schizophrenia after neuroleptic treatment; (3) whether there is a relation between changes in 1H MR spectra and the clinical assessment of Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS); and (4) to investigate a hypofrontality hypothesis in schizophrenia in terms of neurochemical aspects.

METHODS:

Localized in vivo 1H MR spectroscopy was used to measure the metabolite levels in the prefrontal lobes of control persons (n = 20) and of chronic patients before and after neuroleptic treatment (n = 34). The MR spectra of 8 cm3 voxels were compared with clinical assessment of BPRS in each subject.

RESULTS:

No significant metabolic lateral effect was established in both schizophrenia and control groups (P > 0.05). After neuroleptic treatment, chronic schizophrenic patients generally demonstrated a decrease of the complex of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) containing (GABA + Glu)/creatine (Cr) ratio.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current follow-up 1H MR spectroscopy study shows a significant correlation between alterations of (GABA + Glu)/Cr ratio and BPRS, and supports a hypofrontality hypothesis in chronic schizophrenia. The reduction of (GABA + Glu)/Cr ratio after neuroleptic treatment may implicate the recovery of normal neuronal function in neurotransmitters. In vivo 1H MR spectroscopy may be a useful modality in follow-up evaluation of neuroleptic treatment in chronic schizophrenia.

• Authors: B Y Choe, T S Suh, K S Shinn, C W Lee, C Lee, I H Paik
• Journal: Investigative radiology (Invest Radiol) Vol. 31 Issue 6 Pg. 345-52 (Jun 1996) ISSN: 0020-9996 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8761867 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antipsychotic Agents
• Glutamic Acid
• gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
• Hydrogen
• Creatine

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Antipsychotic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Chronic Disease
• Creatine (metabolism)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Frontal Lobe (metabolism)
• Glutamic Acid (metabolism)
• Humans
• Hydrogen
• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
• Schizophrenia (diagnosis, drug therapy, metabolism)
• gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (metabolism)