Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid and Glutamate Concentrations in the Striatum and Anterior Cingulate Cortex Not Found to Be Associated with Cognitive Flexibility

Behavioral flexibility and goal-directed behavior heavily depend on fronto-striatal networks. Within these circuits, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) glutamate play an important role in (motor) response inhibition, but it has remained largely unclear whether they are also relevant for cognitive inhibition. We hence investigated the functional of transmitters inhibition during flexibility. Healthy young adults performed two paradigms assessing different aspects Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to quantify GABA+ total glutamate/glutamine (Glx) levels striatum anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) referenced N-acetylaspartate (NAA). observed typical task switching backward effects, striatal ACC concentrations GABA+/NAA Glx/NAA were not associated with a functionally manner. The assumption null effects underpinned by Bayesian testing. These findings suggest that behavioral distinct faculties, (at least partly) brain structures neurotransmitter systems. While previous studies consistently demonstrated motor is modulated GABA levels, our results required successful not, or at much lesser degree, factors.