Bathel A, et al. - Local levels of glutamate/glutamine (GLX) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were evaluated in the occipital cortex and right thalamus of migraineurs and healthy subjects. Migraineurs showed increased GLX levels in the right thalamus and occipital cortex, but, there were no changes in local GABA levels, supporting an extended network of cortical hyperexcitability. Findings, thereby, demonstrate a role of thalamic GLX in the pathophysiology of migraine. However, further elucidation is required to assess the full relevance of both neurotransmitters.

Methods

• In patients with migraine (without aura) and healthy controls (HCs), local biochemical concentrations in the occipital lobe and the right thalamus were measured interictally using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3 T.
• The researchers determined GLX levels using PRESS and GABA levels using the GABA-sensitive editing sequence MEGA-PRESS.
• Between groups, regional GLX and GABA levels were compared.

Results

• As per statistical analyses, both the primary occipital cortex and thalamus displayed significantly increased GLX levels.
• GABA levels were not different for these two regions in the two groups.
• As per correlation analyses within the migraine group, no significant correlations were identified between pain intensity and levels of GLX or GABA in either of the two brain regions.