Effect of Folate Deficiency on Local Cerebral Glucose Utilization in the Rat

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Abstract
There is considerable debate on the role of folate in CNS function. Folate deficiency may affect CNS serotonin metabolism, and clinical studies describe many consequences of such a deficiency. Folate deficiency alone may cause CNS abnormalities. Rats were maintained, through dietary deprivation, at folate levels below 4 ng/ml for more than 6 wk and showed that at that time both their liver and folate levels were significantly reduced. Local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) was studied using the [14C]deoxyglucose technique. This method assesses cerebral function by measuring regional metabolic activity. LCGU was determined in rats given the same diet but replenished with folate (folate control) and in others given free access to commercially available food (normal controls). Apparently, this degree of folate deficiency has no effect on cerebral function. This contrasts with the focal suppression of LCGU previously reported in a model of vitamin B12 deficiency.

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