Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

A Dual Tracer PET-MRI Protocol for the Quantitative Measure of Regional Brain Energy Substrates Uptake in the Rat
Published on: December 28, 2013
Comprehensive characterization of metabolic consumption and production by the human brain
Yilong Wang1, Lebo Zhou2, Nan Wang3
1Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, Beijing 102206, China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Beijing 100070, China.
Abstract:
Metabolism is vital for brain function. However, a systematic investigation to understand the metabolic exchange between the human brain and circulatory system has been lacking. Here, we compared metabolomes and lipidomes of blood samples from the cerebral venous sinus and femoral artery to profile the brain's uptake and release of metabolites and lipids (1,365 metabolites and 140 lipids). We observed a high net uptake of glucose, taurine, and hypoxanthine and identified glutamine and pyruvate as significantly released metabolites by the brain. Triacylglycerols are the most prominent class of lipid consumed by the brain. The brain with cerebral venous sinus stenosis (CVSS) consumed more glucose and lactate and released more glucose metabolism byproducts than the brain with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). Our data also showed age-related alterations in the uptake and release of metabolites. These results provide a comprehensive view of metabolic consumption and production processes within the human brain.
More Related Videos
09:26Functional Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy at 7 T in the Rat Barrel Cortex During Whisker Activation
Published on: February 8, 2019
08:36Multi-Tracer Studies of Brain Oxygen and Glucose Metabolism Using a Time-of-Flight Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography Scanner
Published on: June 7, 2024
Related Concept Videos
What is Metabolism?
Overview of Metabolism
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...
Metabolic States of the Body: The Absorptive State
Metabolic States of the Body: The Postabsorptive State
Initially, glycogen stored in the liver is broken down to release glucose into the bloodstream, while glycogen in the muscles is broken down to supply glucose for energy directly within the muscle cells. As glycogen stores diminish,...
Metabolic Rate
The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) measures the energy expended at rest.
Several factors influence...
Introduction to Metabolism