Effect of sustained portal‐systemic shunting on glycolytic and citric‐acid cycle intermediates in the rat brain

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Abstract
The effect of portacaval (PC) shunting on brain glycogen, glucose, glycolytic and citric-acid cycle intermediates was analyzed in rats shunted for 3, 8 and 16 wk. Portal-systemic shunting was accompanied by a progressive fall in brain glucose which was reduced to about half of control after 16 wk of shunting (P < 0.05). Glycogen remained unchanged. G-6-P and fructose-1,6-diphosphate were significantly (P < 0.05) increased and decreased, respectively, which may indicate some inhibition of phosphofructokinase. These changes in brain glucose content and glycolysis may be additive to any further metabolic perturbation and provide 1 tentative mechanism of sensitization of the brain in liver failure.