2009 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

Role of glutamate on the pathogenesis of obcessive-compulsive disorder analyzed by neuroimaging and genetic polymorphisms.

Research Project

Project/Area Number	20790830
Research Category	Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
Allocation Type	Single-year Grants
Research Field	Psychiatric science
Research Institution	Chiba University
Principal Investigator	DAISUKE Matsuzawa Chiba University, 大学院・医学研究院, 助教 (10447302)
Project Period (FY)	2008 – 2009
Keywords	臨床精神分子遺伝学
Research Abstract	Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by the compulsive behaviors in order to reduce anxiety due to obsession. In this study, a role of glutamate on the pathogenesis of OCD was investigated by mainly from the genetic aspects. SLC1A1 and SLCA3, genes of glutamate transporter, were selected, and 7 polymorphisms were identified. Genotype frequencies of four of the polymorphisms were different between normal controls and OCD patients. In addition, serum BDNF level was significantly higher in OCD than in normal controls. Quantitative measurement of glutamate was performed by 1H-MRS, but further evaluation is needed.