Dynamic uncoupling and recoupling of perfusion and oxidative metabolism during focal brain activation in man

Changes in glucose consumption, lactate production, and blood oxygenation were measured during prolonged neuronal activation (4-6 min) in human primary visual cortex using dynamic magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging. A decrease of steady-state glucose by 40% because of enhanced use by 21% was accompanied by a transient accumulation of lactate with a peak value of 170% 2.5 min after stimulation onset. Rapid blood hyperoxygenation indicating "uncoupling" of blood flow and oxidative metabolism was followed by a return to basal levels over 3 min. Thus, initial nonoxidative glucose consumption during functional activation is gradually complemented by a slower adjustment of oxidative phosphorylation that "recouples" perfusion and oxygen consumption at a new equilibrium.