Thiols and the control of carbohydrate metabolism in cerebral tissues

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Increase in aerobic glycolysis of cerebral cortical tissues by 10-30 m[image] glutathione is paralleled by 3-20 m[image]-cysteine, homo-cysteine, mercaptoacetic acid and mercaptoethanol. Most of these substances diminished the respiration of cerebral tissues in media containing 50 m[image] KC1. Specificity in both actions was shown by examining structurally related compounds. The changes in respiration and glycolysis could occur without appreciable change in the balance of oxidized and reduced glutathione in the tissue. Conversely, this balance could be disturbed without marked effect on glucose metabolism. The changes in respiration and glycolysis brought about by the thiols and other agents were associated with change in the tissue''s inorganic and creatine phosphates; tissue phosphates are regarded as the main factor in regulating the tissue''s glucose metabolism.