KINETICS OF BLOOD-BRAIN-BARRIER TRANSPORT OF PYRUVATE, LACTATE AND GLUCOSE IN SUCKLING, WEANLING AND ADULT-RATS

Abstract— The kinetics of the uptake from blood to brain of pyruvate, lactate and glucose have been determined in rats of different ages. The carotid artery single injection technique was used in animals anaesthetized with pentobarbital. The rates of influx for each substrate were determined over a range of concentrations for the different age‐groups. Data were analysed in terms of the Michaelis‐Menten equation with a component to allow for non‐saturable diffusion. Values are given for Km, Vmax and Kd. In suckling rats (15‐21 days) the Vmax values for both pyruvate and lactate were 2.0 μmol g−1 min−1. In 28‐day‐old rats the Vmax values had fallen to one‐half and in adults they were less than one‐tenth. Km, values were higher in the younger animals. The rate of glucose transport in suckling rats was half that of 28‐day‐old and adults although there was no difference with age in the Km values. The results are discussed in relation to the net flux of these substrates in and out of brain during different stages of post‐natal development. Copyright © 1979, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved