Regional Cerebral Glucose Utilization in Rats with Portacaval Anastomosis

Abstract

Regional cerebral glucose utilization was measured using [2-14C]glucose in rats with an end-to-side portacaval anastomosis [an experimental model of hepatic encephalopathy]. The experiments were conducted in 2 groups of rats 4-8 wk after portacaval shunting was established. One group was paralyzed and given N2O:O2 (70:30); the other was conscious, unstressed and unaware of the experiment. In both groups the rate of glucose utilization was decreased in almost all brain structures by an average of 20% after portacaval shunting. The results showed definitively that cerebral energy metabolism was reduced at a time when there were no obvious neurological abnormalities.