Metabolism of ketone bodies by ovine brain in vivo
Kammula, R.G.
American Journal of Physiology 231(5 Pt. 1): 1490-1494
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9513 PMID: 998793 Document Number: 98877
Ketosis was produced by i.v infusion (5 mmol/kg per h) of [13-14C]acetoacetate (sp act 0.5 mCi/mmol) into fed and day-starved sheep. There was an increase in ketone body uptake and conversion to 14CO2 in both fed and starved sheep when compared to control periods (saline infusion). The percentage conversion of ketone bodies to 14CO2 was slightly higher in starved sheep (22%) than in fed sheep (18%). Blood glucose and free fatty acid concentrations were decreased, but there was an increase in blood lactic acid and lactic acid production by the brain. Plasma insulin was increased in both fed and starved animals. These results indicate that ovine brain can utilize ketone bodies irrespective of nutritional state. In addition, ketone bodies stimulated the production of lactate by ovine brain.