7 T 1H MRS Detects a Human Brain Glutathione (GSH) Response to N-Acetylcysteine, an Antioxidant Precursor, in Patients with Gaucher and Parkinsons Disease

Melissa Terpstra¹, Mary Holmay¹, Lisa Coles¹, Usha Mishra¹, Matthew Ahlskog¹, James Cloyd¹, Paul Tuite¹, Gulin Oz¹

One distinguishing attribute of MR is its utility to noninvasively monitor therapeutic response. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is under investigation for the treatment of several conditions. One possible mechanism for efficacy against neurodegenerative disease is as a precursor for the formation of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH). In this study, human brain GSH concentrations were measured using 7 T ¹H MRS throughout intravenous infusion of NAC. The occipital cortex GSH concentration increased by at least 10 % (mean 33 %, SD 17 %) in all 8 participants after delivery of NAC, indicating a strong group effect (p < 0.001).