A MICROCALORIMETRIC STUDY OF TURTLE CORTICAL SLICES: INSIGHTS INTO BRAIN METABOLIC DEPRESSION

In previous papers, we have examined turtle cortical neurons in vitro for mechanisms of anoxic metabolic depression ('channel arrest' and changes in electrical parameters). Negative results prompted the current study with the aim of examining more closely the energy profile and metabolism of turtle cortical slices. Calorimetry is used to measure heat dissipation during normoxia and nitrogen perfusion (120 min) and the results are converted into an ATP utilization rate. These indicate that the control rate of ATP utilization (1.72 µmol ATP g-1 min-1) agrees closely with in vivo whole-brain metabolic measurements. Both nitrogen perfusion and pharmacologically induced anoxic (cyanide+N2) groups depressed heat dissipation considerably compared with the control value (nitrogen 37 %; pharmacological anoxia 49 %). The resulting ATP utilization estimates indicate metabolic depressions of 30 % (nitrogen) and 42 % (pharmacological anoxia). The slice preparation did not exhibit a change in any measured adenylate parameter for up to 120 min of anoxia or pharmacological anoxia. Significant changes did occur in [ADP], ATP/ADP ratio and energy charge after 240 min of exposure to anoxic conditions. These results support the idea that the turtle cortical slice preparation has a profound resistance to anoxia, with both nitrogen perfusion and pharmacological anoxia causing a rapid decline in heat dissipation and metabolism.