ISSN:
1471-4159
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
〈list xml:id="l1" style="custom"〉1The rapid and extensive conversion of glucose-carbon into amino acids is an index of the final coordination of the mechanisms underlying energy metabolism in the adult brain. This phenomenon develops in the rat during a short period extending from 10 to about 19 days after birth. The underlying factors have been analysed.〈list xml:id="l2" style="custom"〉2The development of the pattern of distribution of glucose-carbon characteristic of the adult brain was markedly influenced by the thyroid state of the animals. The age-curve for the conversion of glucose-carbon into brain amino acids was displaced to the left after treatment with thyroid hormone (T3) in infancy thus indicating an accelerated maturation. Conversely, neonatal thyroidectomy resulted in a significant retardation in the conversion of glucose-carbon into amino acids.〈list xml:id="l3" style="custom"〉3The specific radioactivity of glutamate increased five-fold in the brain of normal rats from the 10th to the 19th day of age. The values (as a percentage of those for littermate controls) were 220 in the case of the 10 day-old thyroid treated rats and about 30 for the 19 day-old thyroid deficient animals. At the age of 10 days neither treatment affected the concentration of glutamate which was also only slightly less than the control values in the brain of 19 day-old thyroid deficient animals (–17 per cent).〈list xml:id="l4" style="custom"〉4Specific pool(s) of glutamate associated with the formation of GABA can be demonstrated in the brain of 19 day-old rats after administration of [U-14C]glucose as a result of anoxia post mortem. These pools did not develop in the brain of 10 day-old animals. Neonatal thyroidectomy retarded the development of these glutamate pools.〈list xml:id="l5" style="custom"〉5Evidence is summarized which indicates that the development of the rapid conversion of glucose-carbon into amino acids reflects the enlargement, during maturation, of the metabolic compartments which are associated with neuronal processes.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-4159.1970.tb03376.x
