Abstract:The most prominent signal in the 1 H magnetic resonance spectrum of the human brain and spinal cord arises from N-acetyl aspartate (NAA). NAA is formed by acetylation of aspartate within the neuronal mitochondria, a reaction that helps draw glutamate back into the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Transport of NAA out of neurons is slow, leading to the build-up of a substantial concentration (∼20 mM) in the neuronal cytoplasm. NAA is broken down by deacetylation in oligodendrocytes, delivering acetyl groups for myelin… Show more
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