Glutamate in the medial prefrontal cortex in the early postpartum

• Author / Creator

  Mitchell, Nicholas D

• Risk factors for postpartum depression (PPD) include history of a major depressive episode, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or a prior episode of PPD. Fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and neuroactive steroids occur in the postpartum, and these molecules act as modulators of a number of neurotransmitter systems, including that of glutamate (Glu). Recent investigations demonstrate alterations in brain Glu levels in mood disorders, and fluctuations in brain Glu have been demonstrated in response to hormone changes over the menstrual cycle.
  Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure Glu in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) in the early postpartum, the studies presented in this thesis demonstrate decreases in MPFC Glu levels compared to the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (FP), and in women with risk factors for PPD compared to women without risk factors.
  Alterations in MPFC Glu occurring in the early postpartum may be related to the development of PPD.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Neuroactive Steroids
  • Neuroimaging
  • Postpartum Depression
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Glutamate
  • Prefrontal Cortex

• Graduation date

  Fall 2011

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R30619

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.