Anterior Cingulate Cortex Glutamate Levels and Sensory Integration Are Associated in Individuals With Social Anhedonia: A Comparison Between 3T and 7T MRS

Abstract

Deficits in schizophrenia are linked to abnormalities in the glutamate (Glu) system, which are believed to result in neurological soft signs (NSS) and negative symptoms. This study investigated the relationship between Glu levels of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and NSS, particularly sensory integration, in individuals with high and low levels of social anhedonia using 3 Tesla (T) and 7T Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). We recruited 16 participants with high social anhedonia and 18 with low social anhedonia and correlated their NSS scores with ACC Glu levels. While spectral quality metrics differed between field strengths, with 7T showing better spectral resolution and metabolite quantification reliability, both 3T and 7T data showed consistent correlation patterns. Our findings demonstrated that higher ACC Glu levels were associated with poorer sensory integration in high levels of social anhedonia across both field strengths, supported by both Pearson and Spearman rank correlations. Notably, the opposite pattern of association was found in people with low levels of social anhedonia at 7T. The Glu systems may be the common mechanisms for negative symptoms and NSS, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.