Project Summary

Mark H. Pollack, M.D. (Independent Investigator 2003) of Harvard University, will conduct the first study to directly examine gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) level in individuals with bipolar disorder, thus providing important information about the underlying neurobiology of this condition. Research suggests that dysfunction in brain GABAergic system activity contributes to the vulnerability to bipolar disorder as well as other mood and anxiety states. GABA has been hypothesized to predict response to pharmacologic agents with GABAergic properties. Using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) to measure brain GABA levels, he will examine cortical and subcortical regions of interest (ROI) that have been identified as abnormal in previous studies of bipolar disorder including the temporal lobes, amygdala, hippocampus, basal ganglia, caudate and prefrontal cortex, while controlling for anxiety, as there is a high prevalence of anxiety disorders in patients with bipolar disorder and the role of GABA in anxiety disorders. Dr. Pollack hypothesizes that patients with bipolar disorder have decreased levels of brain GABA compared to normal controls, and that the presence of comorbid anxiety disorders will confer an even greater reduction in GABA levels. This information may eventually lead to more precise assessment of patients including establishment of subtypes based on underlying neurobiology and the targeting of therapeutic interventions.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Bipolar

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