Peter Sheffield1,2, Michael D. Noseworthy2,3, John Bienenstock2,4
1Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; 2Brain-Body Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; 3Electrical and Computer Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; 4Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
An optimization of the STEAM sequence for simultaneous quantification of the coupled GABA/Glutamate/Glutamine spin system at 3T is described. The method was tested in anterior cingulate from normal volunteers. The approach appears consistent as assessed from 4 scans (throughout 1 day) repeated on the same subjects. Although the scan is long (25.6min) it allows measurement of Glu, Gln, and GABA from a standard STEAM sequence.