METABOLISM OF THE PERFUSED DOG'S BRAIN

Abstract

A method of isolating the circulation of the dog''s brain and a perfusion technique are described. The avg. minute O2 consumption per 100 g. of brain in 7 expts., using this technique, was 10.9 ml. giving a Q02 of 6.8. The avg. R. Q. was 0.94. Observations on dextrose and lactic acid metabolism by the brain are also recorded. These expts. indicate that approx. 50% of the O2 supplied to the head region is used by the brain and that the brain accounts for about 8% of the total O2 consumption of the body at rest.