Regional Distribution of Amino Acids in Friedreich's Ataxia Brains

Abstract
Summary The distribution of amino acids in two Friedreich's ataxia brains is compared to 4 control brains. Glutamate and G A BA were decreased in the ce r ebe l-lar hemispheres and/or in the vermis. Taurine concentrations were uniformly elevated throughout the areas studied. Taurine /glutamate and taurine/ GABA ratios were consistently elevated in Friedreich's ataxia brains, whereas glutamate/ glutaminę ratios were consistently decreased (with normal glutaminę concentrations).