The lack of growth hormone is accompanied by decreased GABA+ concentrations and neuronal activity within the thalamus in short children

Motivation: It is unclear whether the lack of growth hormone (GH) is accompanied by altered GABA in human brain and relationship between the alterations and neuronal activity. Goal(s): Thalamus is one of brain region that has highest concentration of GH receptors. The purpose of this study was to explore changes in GABA concentrations in thalamus and its association with neuronal activity in children with GHD. Approach: We used MEGA-PRESS sequence to quantify the concentration of GABA+ in thalamus and rs-fMRI to assess neuronal activity. Results: We found that the levels of thalamus GABA+ decreased significantly, and it was related to abnormal neuronal activity. Impact: This study provides a new insight into the neural mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction in children with GHD, and holds a promising biomarker for us to find a new treatment approach to GHD.