CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW AND BRAIN METABOLISM DURING INSULIN HYPOGLYCEMIA

Abstract

The cerebral arteriovenous O2 difference and cerebral blood flow were detd. on patients with schizophrenia during insulin hypoglycemia. The changes in blood flow during insulin hypoglycemia uncomplicated by convulsions are not of great magnitude and usually exhibit a slight diminution, averaging [long dash]7%. Thus, a decrease in the arterio-venous O2 difference during insulin hypoglycemia is caused by an impaired cerebral metabolism which may be reduced to about 1/4 of the original value. The inj. of glucose during hypoglycemia has no marked effect on the brain blood flow but the arterio-venous oxygen difference increases. This indicates that the cerebral metabolic rate rises though full recovery may not occur immediately. Lactate and pyruvate are not as effective as glucose in restoring brain metabolism.