[Carbohydrate metabolism of the brain in hypoxia]

Using the data of arteriovenous differences, it has been for the first time demonstrated that patients with severe craniocerebral trauma (SCST) are characterized by glucose release by brain tissue combined with (p less than 0.05) pyruvate consumption. The above phenomenon is more often (p less than 0.05) associated with a more favourable course of SCST. A hypothesis is suggested of carbohydrate synthesis in hypoxia-affected brain tissues as a natural compensatory process. Conditions for gluconeogenesis are formed round macro- and microareas of brain damage with anaerobic metabolism bordering on tissues with aerobic metabolism. The process is responsible for energy and metabolic integration of disintegrated structures. Biological expediency of gluconeogenesis is glucose supply of anaerobic metabolism area with utilization of toxic metabolites, indirect energy maintenance of the affected area. Literature data supporting the hypothesis are presented.