PYRUVIC ACID EXCHANGE OF THE BRAIN

Abstract

A study of the pyruvic acid exchange of the brain in 41 patients shows that small, but significant, amts. of pyruvic acid, averaging 0.22 mg. %, are added to the cerebral venous blood in the quietly resting human subject in the postabsorptive state. The brain thus constantly produces some energy without the equivalent utilization of O2. The carbohydrate balance of the brain not only includes that portion which is oxidized but also the part split to lactic and pyruvic acids.