Short communication: Sex-linked differences in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are related to social functioning in autism spectrum disorder

Melissa Kirkovski*, Chao Suo, Peter Gregory Enticott, Murat Yücel, Paul Bernard Fitzgerald

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was utilized to investigate sex differences in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) between adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurotypical (NT) controls. GABA at the right superior temporal sulcus (STS) is reported for 12 ASD and 14 NT participants. The results show no group differences in GABA. There was, however, a significant positive association between GABA at the STS and autism-related social impairments in females with ASD. These findings provide preliminary support for sex differences in GABAergic distribution and processes that contribute to social functioning in ASD.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)19-22
Number of pages4
JournalPsychiatry Research - Neuroimaging
Volume274
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Apr 2018
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Short communication: Sex-linked differences in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are related to social functioning in autism spectrum disorder'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this