BOLD responses during stroop task correlates with glutamates and gamma-aminobutyric acid at resting state

Motivation: Relationship between local Glu/GABA concentration and cognitive function has not been fully understood. Goal(s): We aim to clarify the relationship between local Glu/GABA concentration and local neuronal activity related to cognitive task using MR spectroscopy and functional MRI. Approach: We scanned functional MRI and MRS in 14 healthy adults. The Stroop task was performed during fMRI, and GABA/Glu were measured at resting state. Results: The Glu/GABA concentration in the ACG and in the SPL was correlated with BOLD response in several brain regions, which was evoked during stroop task. Impact: This study reveals that the concentration of Glu/GABA at resting state have a impact on brain activity related to cognitive task, suggesting that these neural metabolites could be useful as biomarkers for cognitive function.