Magnetic resonance spectroscopy and the menstrual cycle: A multi-centre assessment of menstrual cycle effects on GABA & GSH

IF 2.7 4区医学 Q2 BIOCHEMICAL RESEARCH METHODS

Journal of Neuroscience Methods Pub Date : 2025-03-19 DOI:10.1016/j.jneumeth.2025.110430

Yulu Song , James J. Prisciandaro , Dace Apšvalka , Mae Bernard , Adam Berrington , Miguel Castelo-Branco , Mark K. Britton , Marta M. Correia , Koen Cuypers , Aleksandra Domagalik , Ulrike Dydak , Niall W. Duncan , Gerard E. Dwyer , Tao Gong , Ian Greenhouse , Katarzyna Hat , Melina Hehl , Shiori Honda , Chris Horton , Steve C.N. Hui , Katherine Dyke

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutathione (GSH) play a significant role in the functioning of a healthy brain and can both be quantified using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Several small-scale studies have suggested MRS measured GABA may fluctuate with the menstrual cycle, but the effects on GSH are unknown. Utilising recent developments in MRS acquisition, this multi-lab study explores this issue across 4 distinctive brain regions.

New methods

Data were analysed from 12 independent sites from which a total of 30 women were scanned during three phases of their menstrual cycle corresponding to early follicular, ovulation and mid luteal phases. HERMES and HERCULES sequences were used to measure GABA and GSH in voxels located in the left motor cortex, left posterior insular, medial parietal and medial frontal. Linear mixed models were used to assess the variability contributed by site, participant and menstrual cycle phase.

Results

Similar variance was attributed to site and menstrual cycle phase for both GABA and GSH data. No systematic changes in GABA or GSH were revealed for any voxel as a consequence of menstrual cycle phase.

Comparison with existing methods

Despite our larger sample size and inclusion of more brain regions we fail to replicate previous findings of GABA change as a consequence of menstrual cycle phase. We also show for the first time that MRS measures of GSH so not significantly alter with cycle.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the menstrual cycle has minimal impact on MRS measures of GABA and GSH. The presence of a menstrual cycle should not be used as justification for exclusion of women in MRS studies.

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来源期刊

Journal of Neuroscience Methods 医学-神经科学

CiteScore

7.10

自引率

3.30%

发文量

226

审稿时长

52 days

期刊介绍： The Journal of Neuroscience Methods publishes papers that describe new methods that are specifically for neuroscience research conducted in invertebrates, vertebrates or in man. Major methodological improvements or important refinements of established neuroscience methods are also considered for publication. The Journal''s Scope includes all aspects of contemporary neuroscience research, including anatomical, behavioural, biochemical, cellular, computational, molecular, invasive and non-invasive imaging, optogenetic, and physiological research investigations.