The Effects of Music Therapy on Amino Acid Neurotransmitters: Insights From an Animal Study.

Abstract Background : This study aimed to explore the neurobiological effects of “Chinese Traditional Five-Elements Music Therapy” on rats and to determine its effects on amino acid neurotransmitter levels, the excitatory/inhibitory(E/I) balance and the Glu-Gln cycle. Methods : Male Wistar rats were assigned at random to the experimental groups (Gong/powerful; Shang/sad; Jue/gentle; Zhi/joyful; Yu/serene music group) and the control group(n=8/group).The experimental groups were exposed daily to music(2 hours per day; mild sound pressure levels, between 50 and 60 dB) for 28 consecutive days. Finally, we hypothesized concentrations of Glu and GABA to match the music types and measured additionally Asp, Gly, Gln, and Glu/GABA ratio in striatum by UPLC-3QMS. Result : Effects in the predicted direction were observed for Gong (Glu +, GABA -); Shang (Glu -; GABA +); Jue (Glu 0; GABA 0); and Zhi (Glu +; GABA -); but not Yu music (Glu + contrary to hypothesis; GABA + as hypothesized)." In addition, significant difference in Gln levels were also present in the zhi, Gong and Yu music groups compared to the controls. Conclusion : Our study showed that different melodic music produced different effects on amino acid neurotransmitter levels. “Chinese Traditional Five-Elements Music Therapy” affected the amino acid neurotransmitter levels, the E/I balance and the Glu-Gln cycle in the striatum of rats, which may reflect altered glutamatergic and GABAergic system.