Local cerebral glucose utilization in thermally traumatized rat brain

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Abstract
Local cerebal glucose utilization (LCGU) Was studied using the 14C-deoxyglucose method in rats with focal thermally induced lesions in the left parietal cortex. A depression of LCGU developed with time after production of the lesion, being most prominent throughout the cortical areas of the lesioned hemisphere: 42 ± 2% (SE) of normal 3 days after the lesion, was induced. Corresponding results in other regions were: contralateral cortical areas, 86 ± 2%; ipsilateral and contralateral subcortical structures, 74 ± 2% and 84 ± 1%, respectively. Brainstem structures were not affected. In white matter, bilateral depression LCGU reached its peak 24 hours after production of the lesion—the reduction ipsilateral to the lesion was 61 ± 4% of normal and the contralateral reduction was 64 ± 4%. LCGU returned to normal within 5 days in all affected areas. No corresponding change in local cerebral blood flow were observed. These results suggest a widespread depression in the functional state of the traumatized brain.