Hi, leaves.
I think you are correct in focusing on the hippocampus in ME/CFS. See the abstracts below.
As you may know, the hippocampus also plays a role in controlling the HPA axis, and that is dyfunctional in ME/CFS, also. There has been research that indicates that long-term stress, causing high cortisol levels, can damage the hippocampus over time, and that after this occurs, the HPA axis does not respond normally to stress.
I think the hippocampus is a good place to look for problems in ME/CFS.
Best regards,
Rich
Br J Radiol. 2000 Nov;73(875):1206-8.
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and morphometry of the hippocampus in chronic fatigue syndrome.
Brooks JC, Roberts N, Whitehouse G, Majeed T.
Source
Magnetic Resonance and Image Analysis Research Centre, University of Liverpool, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK.
Abstract
Seven patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) were matched with ten healthy control subjects of similar age. Hippocampal volume, obtained from magnetic resonance images using an unbiased method, showed no difference between the two groups, whereas proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed a significantly reduced concentration of N-acetylaspartate in the right hippocampus of CFS patients (p = 0.005).
PMID:
11144799
Biol Psychiatry. 2005 Feb 1;57(3):239-46.
Brain 5-HT1A receptor binding in chronic fatigue syndrome measured using positron emission tomography and [11C]WAY-100635.
Cleare AJ, Messa C, Rabiner EA, Grasby PM.
Source
Section of Neurobiology of Mood Disorders, Division of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry and Guy-s, King-s and St. Thomas- School of Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
a.cleare@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Research from neuroendocrine challenge and other indirect studies has suggested increased central 5-HT function in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and increased 5-HT1A receptor sensitivity. We assessed brain 5-HT1A receptor binding potential directly using the specific radioligand [11C]WAY-100635 and positron emission tomography (PET).
METHODS:
We selected 10 patients from a tertiary referral clinic who fulfilled the CDC consensus criteria for CFS. To assemble a homogenous group and avoid confounding effects, we enrolled only subjects who were completely medication-free and did not have current comorbid psychiatric illness. We also scanned 10 healthy control subjects.
RESULTS:
There was a widespread reduction in 5-HT1A receptor binding potential in CFS relative to control subjects. This was particularly marked in the hippocampus bilaterally, where a 23% reduction was observed.
CONCLUSIONS:
There is evidence of decreased 5-HT1A receptor number or affinity in CFS. This may be a primary feature of CFS, related to the underlying pathophysiology, or a finding secondary to other processes, such as previous depression, other biological changes or the behavioral consequences of CFS.
PMID:
15691524