Preclinical studies suggest a role of altered γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic inhibitory tone in the periaqueductal grey (PAG), a key brain area for descending pain modulation, as mechanism contributing to chronic pain. The present 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy study investigated GABA, and glutamate/glutamine, concentrations in the PAG of patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Using a point resolved spectroscopy sequence with optimized frequency alignment, adequate spectral quality was achieved and increased GABA concentrations (p=0.027) identified in CLBP patients compared to pain-free controls. This finding supports dysregulations in descending pain modulation as factor contributing to chronic pain in humans.
How to access this content:
For one year after publication, abstracts and videos are only open to registrants of this annual meeting. Registrants should use their existing login information. Non-registrant access can be purchased via the ISMRM E-Library.
After one year, current ISMRM & ISMRT members get free access to both the abstracts and videos. Non-members and non-registrants must purchase access via the ISMRM E-Library.
After two years, the meeting proceedings (abstracts) are opened to the public and require no login information. Videos remain behind password for access by members, registrants and E-Library customers.
Keywords