Increased Levels of Myo-Inositol are Associated With Impaired Working Memory and Active Avoidance in Blast Neurotrauma Animals

Impaired working memory and anxiety are major clinical symptoms commonly associated with subjects exposed to blast overpressure [1–4]. Despite this association, there remains a vital need for biomarkers to help effectively diagnosis blast-induced neurotrauma (BINT). Clinically, elevated myo-inositol has been associated with several neurodegenerative disorders including dementia and elevated levels may reflect activation of microglia. In the present study, we evaluated the cognitive and behavioral changes in blast exposed animals using the novel object recognition (working memory paradigm) and light/dark (anxiety test) assessments. In addition, we used high resolution magic angle spinning H-MRS to assess neurochemical changes in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, brain regions associated with working memory and anxiety respectively. Results suggest that exposure to blast has a significant effect on the levels of myo-inositol which appear to be linked with impaired working memory.