GENDER-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN REGIONAL CEREBRAL GLUCOSE-METABOLISM INNORMAL VOLUNTEERS

Positron emission tomography studies have correlated changes in the ce rebral metabolic rate of glucose utilization (CMRglu) with symptoms of depression, aggression, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Psychiatric d isorders in which these symptoms are manifested are disproportionately represented among the sexes. We evaluated gender differences in regio nal CMRglu in control subjects (21 men and 18 women) with particular i nterest in the global, orbital frontal, and left anterolateral prefron tal cortical (LAPFC) CMRglu. A trend was present for global CMRglu to be greater in women than in men. Regional CMRglu was lower in men than in women in the orbital frontal area. No differences were observed in the LAPFC region.