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Abstract #1939

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

1University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States


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).