DIFFERENTIAL METABOLISM IN BRAIN TISSUE AS INDICATED BY LACTIC ACID DETERMINATIONS

Abstract

Rabbits were decapitated and the brain split. One half was separated into cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum, midbrain and medulla, and the parts dropped into liquid air. The entire operation required about 60 sec. The second half was incubated under anaerobic conditions for stated periods of time, separated into 4 parts and frozen in liquid air. The percentage content of lactic acid was different in the 4 portions, increasing in the order: cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum, midbrain, and medulla. It is concluded that the rate of metabolism is different in the various portions of brain substance.