[Lipogenesis in the brain under hypoxia]

This study investigated the utilization of some radioactive precursors [2(12)C]-acetate, [1-6(14)]-glucose, [5(14)C]-glutamate) for fatty acids and lipid biosynthesis in the rat brain under normal and hypoxic conditions. In severe hemic hypoxia (30-45 min after the injection of 15 mg of NaNO2/100 g body weight) there was a significant increase in 14C incorporation from glutamate into brain lipids (by 2.8 times) and into fatty acids (by 2.2 times) as compared to the control level. Enhanced lipogenesis from glutamate was demonstrated due to the activation of all alpha-ketoglutarate shunt steps. The higher lipogenesis from glutamate in the brain as a possible mechanism for this excitatory amino acid utilization under hypoxia.