Disrupted Excitatory-Inhibitory Balance in the Motor Cortex of Parkinson’s Disease: A 7T MRS Study at Rest and Motor Tasks

Motivation: Understanding the role of neurotransmitter imbalance in cortical areas like the motor cortex is crucial for addressing motor dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease (PD). Goal(s): Assess changes in GABA and glutamate levels in the motor cortex of PD patients. Approach: This study used 7T MRS to evaluate excitatory-inhibitory (E/I) balance in the motor cortex of PD patients compared to healthy controls. GABA and glutamate concentrations were measured under baseline and motor task conditions. Results: PD patients showed increased GABA levels and reduced E/I ratio, indicating heightened inhibition and impaired motor regulation. Impact: This study highlights disrupted inhibitory-excitatory balance in PD, providing insights for targeted therapies to improve motor function. It also prompts further investigation into neurotransmitter regulation, potentially benefiting clinicians and researchers in PD treatment development.