Brain levels of the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid are reduced in people with HIV-related neuropathic pain.

ABSTRACT:

Abstract

Previous studies suggest a dysregulation of the inhibitory γ -aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the excitatory glutamate/glutamine (Glx) neurotransmitter systems in people living with chronic pain. Here, we test this hypothesis in people with HIV (PWH) on stable antiretroviral therapy, either with or without neuropathic pain (PWHpain and PWHnopain, respectively), and people without HIV and pain (Ctrl). Fourteen PWHpain (age, mean ± SD: 59 ± 6.5, 12 males), 13 PWHnopain (55 ± 9, 12 males), and 14 Ctrl (58 ± 10, 14 males) completed a 3T 1 H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy MEGA-PRESS scan quantifying GABA and Glx in the left posterior insula. Furthermore, temporal summation was evaluated using cuff pain algometry, applied on the participants' left calf for 120 seconds at a pressur

SUBMITTER: Sandstrom A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12836268 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature