Evidence for a Lactate Pool in the Rat Brain That is Not Used as an Energy Supply Under Normoglycemic Conditions

Lactate derived from glucose can serve as an energy source in the brain. However, it is not certain how much lactate, directly taken from the blood circulation, may replace glucose as an energy source. This study aimed to estimate the uptake, release, and utilization of lactate entering the brain from the blood circulation. The change in cerebral venous-arterial glucose and lactate differences after lactate infusions in the anesthetized rat were measured. Ultrafiltration probes were placed in the aorta and in the jugular vein, and connected to a flow injection analysis system with biosensors for glucose and lactate. Measurements were taken every minute. Lactate efflux was observed at baseline, whereas an influx of lactate was seen during lactate infusion. Immediately after the infusion there was a net efflux of lactate from the brain. The results suggest that the majority of lactate moving into the brain is not used as an energy substrate, and that lactate does not replace glucose as an energy source. Instead, the authors propose the concept of a lactate pool in the brain that can be filled and emptied in accordance with the blood lactate concentration, but which is not used as an energy supply for cerebral metabolism.