RESPIRATION IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

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Abstract
In this review, the O2 consumption of brain in vivo is compared with that of slices and brei in manometric apparatus. The R.Q. of brain under a wide range of conditions is 1.0. Evidence showing that the cytochrome-cytochrome oxidase system is quantitatively the most important one used by brain, is presented. The chief substrate for brain oxidations is glucose, but lactic acid can also serve. It is still undetermined whether glucose is first converted to lactic acid by the brain. The importance of thiamin (vit. B1) in the form of its pyrophosphoric ester, for the oxidation of pyruvic acid, is discussed. The oxidations of a large number of substances, e.g., succinic acid, glycerophosphates, aceto-acetate, hexosephosphates, etc., are reviewed. The depressant effects of narcotic substances on brain oxidations are also discussed, as well as the effects of other pharmaco-dynamic agents.

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