Article

Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) plasticity plays an important role in
stroke motor recovery in a mouse model. However, little is known about changes
over time in neuronal excitability mediated by GABA receptors in human stroke
patients. Objectives: To establish the mechanism of neuroplasticity during the
recovery phase following ischemic stroke by assessing the changes in cerebral
GABA activity using [18F]flumazenil ([18F]FMZ) positron emission tomography
(PET). Methods: A total of 10 patients with unilateral ischemic stroke were
studied at 1 month (T0) and 3 months (T1) postonset using [18F]FMZ PET. Changes
in regional GABAergic activity were assessed longitudinally, and values were also
compared with those in 15 age-matched controls. Upper-extremity motor function
was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer score (FMS). Results: During the follow-up
period, statistical parametric mapping analysis demonstrated a decrease in GABAA
receptor availability throughout the cerebral cortex and cerebellum, especially
the contralateral hemisphere. GABAA availability in the bilateral primary motor
cortex, contralateral supplemental motor cortex, and globus pallidus at T0 was
positively correlated with the FMS score at T1. Conclusions: This is the first
prospective, controlled longitudinal study showing that the change in GABA
receptor availability over time is significantly related to motor recovery after
stroke in humans.
This work supports the rationale for a novel strategy to
promote motor recovery after stroke.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS