EFFECT OF CARBON DIOXIDE ON BRAIN GLUCOSE, LACTATE, PYRUVATE AND PHOSPHATES

Abstract

The brains of normal and convulsing cats subjected to conditions designed to alter the CO2-bicarbonate-carbonic acid system were analyzed after freezing with liquid air. In normal animals, breathing 10-30% CO2 mixtures resulted in a lowering of lactate and pyruvate levels and had little effect on glucose or phosphate concns. In convulsed animals these conditions markedly limited the expected rise in lactate, pyruvate and inorganic phosphate and prevented the fall in high-energy phosphates. There was a rise in brain glucose but little effect was found on brain/plasma ratios. The results are discussed with relation to possible mechanisms and the effects of CO2 on the central nervous system.