Elevated excitatory neurotransmitter levels in the fibromyalgia brain

Abstract

Consistent brain imaging findings demonstrate that neurobiological factors may contribute to the pathology of 'central' pain states such as fibromyalgia (FM). Studies using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy suggest that glutamate (Glu), a key excitatory neurotransmitter, may be present in higher concentrations within the brains of FM patients. This neurotransmitter imbalance is present in multiple brain regions that have been implicated in processing pain information. However, it is unknown if elevated Glu is acting at the synapse. New investigations are needed to investigate the molecular action of Glu in FM and to investigate these findings during treatment that modulates glutamatergic neurotransmission. © 2010 BioMed Central Ltd.