Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2025
11:39
Non-invasive Optical Measurement of Cerebral Metabolism and Hemodynamics in Infants
Published on: March 14, 2013
20.5K
Differences in Brain Metabolite Profiles Between Normothermia and Hypothermia
Suk Ho Sohn1, Sihyun Chae2,3, Jae Woong Choi1
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Journal of Korean Medical Science
|February 27, 2024
Summary
Brain metabolite release significantly decreases during hypothermia in patients undergoing thoracic aorta surgery. Glutamic acid uptake, however, increases, indicating distinct brain metabolism under reduced temperatures.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolomics
- Physiology
Background:
- Brain metabolite profiles differ between normothermia and hypothermia.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for managing patients undergoing hypothermic procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate in vivo brain metabolite profile differences between normothermia and hypothermia (25°C) in humans.
- To investigate the impact of hypothermia on brain metabolite release and uptake.
Main Methods:
- Prospective enrollment of 13 patients undergoing thoracic aorta surgery under moderate hypothermia.
- Simultaneous plasma sampling from arteries and veins to assess metabolite flux.
- Targeted metabolomics using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and direct flow injection.
Main Results:
- Out of 140 analyzed metabolites, 137 were released from the brain in normothermia; 132 showed decreased release in hypothermia.
- Dopamine and hexose release remained constant, while 3 metabolites shifted from release to uptake.
- Glutamic acid exhibited increased uptake by the brain during hypothermia.
Conclusions:
- Hypothermia significantly alters brain metabolite release, with most metabolites showing decreased release.
- Glutamic acid displays unique brain metabolism, with increased uptake during hypothermia.
- These findings highlight the complex metabolic adaptations of the brain to hypothermia.
