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Abstract #2010

Dynamic Proton MRS Following the Infusion of [U-13C] Glucose to Measure Glutamate Metabolism in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Brenda Bartnik-Olson 1 , Daniel Ding 2 , John Howe 2 , Amul Shah 2 , and Travis Losey 3

1 Radiology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States, 2 School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States, 3 Neurology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States

Several studies suggest that glucose metabolism and glutamate-glutamine cycle activity may be impaired in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and increased levels of Glu have been reported in the epileptogenic hippocampus. However, reduced Glu concentrations have also been reported. In this study we used 1H MR spectroscopy (MRS) to measure the Glu concentration and rate of Glu synthesis in the medial temporal lobe of TLE patients following an infusion of [U-13C] glucose. Our findings show reduced Glu concentrations in the involved mesial temporal lobe of TLE subjects while the rate of Glu synthesis remained similar to healthy controls. These findings suggest that reduced Glu concentrations in the interictal state are not due to reduced oxidative metabolism.

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