Background
Abnormal brain pH has been suggested to play a critical role in panic disorder. To
investigate this possibility, we employed a pH-sensitive magnetic resonance (MR) imaging
strategy (T1 relaxation in the rotating frame [T1ρ]) and conventional blood oxygen
level-dependent (BOLD) imaging.
Methods
Thirteen panic disorder participants and 13 matched control subjects were enrolled
in the study. T1ρ and BOLD were used to study the functional response to a visual
flashing checkerboard and their relationship to panic symptoms assessed using the
Beck Anxiety Inventory.
Results
In response to visual stimulation, T1ρ imaging revealed a significantly greater increase
in the visual cortex of panic disorder participants. T1ρ also detected a stimulus-evoked
decrease in the anterior cingulate cortex. Blood oxygen level-dependent imaging detected
no functional differences between groups. The correspondence between panic symptoms
and functional T1ρ response identified significant relationships within the left inferior
parietal lobe, left middle temporal gyrus, and right insula. No relationships were
found between panic symptoms and the BOLD signal.
Conclusions
The data suggest greater activity-evoked T1ρ changes in the visual cortex and anterior
cingulate cortex of panic disorder participants. These observations are consistent
with a pH dysregulation in panic disorder. In addition, our data suggest that T1ρ
imaging may provide information about panic disorder that is distinct from conventional
BOLD imaging and may reflect abnormalities in pH and/or brain metabolism.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 24, 2013
Accepted:
September 4,
2013
Received in revised form:
August 13,
2013
Received:
June 21,
2013
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
