Research articleReliability of glutamate and GABA quantification using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy

- Determination of the reliability of 1H-MRS is proposed.
- 1H-MRS is a reliable method for quantifying glutamate and GABA concentration.
- 1H-MRS may be a valuable tool for investigation in clinical populations.

The consistency and reliability of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) assessments of neurotransmitter concentration has not been widely examined over multiple days. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of glutamate and GABA measures using a single-voxel 1H-MRS protocol in healthy men and women. Glutamate and GABA quantitations were obtained from the primary motor cortex (M1) and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in 13 healthy individuals across 3 data collection sessions, including a baseline (Visit 1), 2-week (Visit 2), and 2-month time point (Visit 3). Glutamate concentrations were similar across visits in M1 (p = 0.72) and the DLPFC (p = 0.52). Reliability across days was excellent in M1 (R = 0.93), and in the DLPFC (R = 0.99). GABA concentrations were similar across visits in M1 (p = 0.44) and in the DLPFC (p = 0.59). Reliability of GABA concentration across days was excellent in M1 (R = 0.93), and in the DLPFC (R = 0.97). 1H-MRS is a reliable method for quantifying glutamate and GABA concentration in M1 and the DLPFC in humans.