Substances which support respiration and metabolic response to electrical impulses in human cerebral tissues

Friend or foe: Lactate in neurodegenerative diseases

Lactate, a byproduct of glycolysis, was considered as a metabolic waste until identified by studies on the Warburg effect. Increasing evidence elucidates that lactate functions as energy fuel, signaling molecule, and donor for protein lactylation. Altered lactate utilization is a common metabolic feature of the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. This review offers an overview of lactate metabolism from the perspective of production, transportation and clearance, and the role of lactate in neurodegenerative progression, as well as a summary of protein lactylation and the signaling function of lactate in neurodegenerative diseases. Besides, this review delves into the dual roles of changed lactate metabolism during neurodegeneration and explores prospective therapeutic methods targeting lactate. We propose that elucidating the correlation between lactate and neurodegeneration is pivotal for exploring innovative therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative diseases.

Altered neuronal lactate dehydrogenase A expression affects cognition in a sex- and age-dependent manner

The astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS) model posits that astrocyte-generated lactate is transported to neurons to fuel memory processes. However, neurons express high levels of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), the rate-limiting enzyme of lactate production, suggesting a cognitive role for neuronally generated lactate. It was hypothesized that lactate metabolism in neurons is critical for learning and memory. Here transgenic mice were generated to conditionally induce or knockout (KO) the Ldha gene in CNS neurons of adult mice. High pattern separation memory was enhanced by neuronal Ldha induction in young females, and by neuronal Ldha KO in aged females. In older mice, Ldha induction caused cognitive deficits whereas Ldha KO caused cognitive improvements. Genotype-associated cognitive changes were often only observed in one sex or oppositely in males and females. Thus, neuronal-generated lactate has sex-specific cognitive effects, is largely indispensable at young age, and may be detrimental to learning and memory with aging.

Lactate as a supplemental fuel for synaptic transmission and neuronal network oscillations: Potentials and limitations

Lactate shuttled from the blood circulation, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes or even activated microglia (resident macrophages) to neurons has been hypothesized to represent a major source of pyruvate compared to what is normally produced endogenously by neuronal glucose metabolism. However, the role of lactate oxidation in fueling neuronal signaling associated with complex cortex function, such as perception, motor activity, and memory formation, is widely unclear. This issue has been experimentally addressed using electrophysiology in hippocampal slice preparations (ex vivo) that permit the induction of different neural network activation states by electrical stimulation, optogenetic tools or receptor ligand application. Collectively, these studies suggest that lactate in the absence of glucose (lactate only) impairs gamma (30-70 Hz) and theta-gamma oscillations, which feature high energy demand revealed by the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2, set to 100%). The impairment comprises oscillation attenuation or moderate neural bursts (excitation-inhibition imbalance). The bursting is suppressed by elevating the glucose fraction in energy substrate supply. By contrast, lactate can retain certain electric stimulus-induced neural population responses and intermittent sharp wave-ripple activity that features lower energy expenditure (CMRO2 of about 65%). Lactate utilization increases the oxygen consumption by about 9% during sharp wave-ripples reflecting enhanced adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) synthesis by oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. Moreover, lactate attenuates neurotransmission in glutamatergic pyramidal cells and fast-spiking, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons by reducing neurotransmitter release from presynaptic terminals. By contrast, the generation and propagation of action potentials in the axon is regular. In conclusion, lactate is less effective than glucose and potentially detrimental during neural network rhythms featuring high energetic costs, likely through the lack of some obligatory ATP synthesis by aerobic glycolysis at excitatory and inhibitory synapses. High lactate/glucose ratios might contribute to central fatigue, cognitive impairment, and epileptic seizures partially seen, for instance, during exhaustive physical exercise, hypoglycemia and neuroinflammation.

Astrocytic aerobic glycolysis provides lactate to support neuronal oxidative metabolism in the hippocampus

Under physiological conditions, the energetic demand of the brain is met by glucose oxidation. However, ample evidence suggests that lactate produced by astrocytes through aerobic glycolysis may also be an oxidative fuel, highlighting the metabolic compartmentalization between neural cells. Herein, we investigate the roles of glucose and lactate in oxidative metabolism in hippocampal slices, a model that preserves neuron-glia interactions. To this purpose, we used high-resolution respirometry to measure oxygen consumption (O2 flux) at the whole tissue level and amperometric lactate microbiosensors to evaluate the concentration dynamics of extracellular lactate. We found that lactate is produced from glucose and transported to the extracellular space by neural cells in hippocampal tissue. Under resting conditions, endogenous lactate was used by neurons to support oxidative metabolism, which was boosted by exogenously added lactate even in the presence of excess glucose. Depolarization of hippocampal tissue with high K+ significantly increased the rate of oxidative phosphorylation, which was accompanied by a transient decrease in extracellular lactate concentration. Both effects were reverted by inhibition of the neuronal lactate transporter, monocarboxylate transporters 2 (MCT2), supporting the concept of an inward flux of lactate to neurons to fuel oxidative metabolism. We conclude that astrocytes are the main source of extracellular lactate which is used by neurons to fuel oxidative metabolism, both under resting and stimulated conditions.

Lactate as a determinant of neuronal excitability, neuroenergetics and beyond

Over the last decades, lactate has emerged as important energy substrate for the brain fueling of neurons. A growing body of evidence now indicates that it is also a signaling molecule modulating neuronal excitability and activity as well as brain functions. In this review, we will briefly summarize how different cell types produce and release lactate. We will further describe different signaling mechanisms allowing lactate to fine-tune neuronal excitability and activity, and will finally discuss how these mechanisms could cooperate to modulate neuroenergetics and higher order brain functions both in physiological and pathological conditions.

Activation of brain lactate receptor GPR81 aggravates exercise-induced central fatigue

Exercise-induced fatigue is a complex physiological phenomenon and is greatly influenced by central mechanisms in brain. As one of the most abundant circulating carbon metabolites, l-lactate in brain has been considered to be an important supplementary fuel during exercise; however, whether it plays a signaling role in fatigue remains largely obscure. In this study, our results initially revealed that brain l-lactate levels were increased after an exhaustive swimming session in several brain regions including motor cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Then, we examined the specific role of brain lactate receptor, also known as hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 1 (GPR81), in exercise-induced fatigue. We found that intracerebroventricular injection of either d-lactate (an enantiomer that could mediate activation of GPR81 as l-lactate) or a potent GPR81 agonist 3-chloro-5-hydroxybenzoic acid (CHBA), significantly decreased the swimming time to fatigue. After being subjected to the same weight-loaded swimming for 30 min, no obvious changes of blood lactate levels, gastrocnemius pAMPK/AMPK ratio, and glycogen contents were observed between intracerebroventricular CHBA-injected mice and vehicle-treated ones, which suggested a comparable degree of peripheral fatigue. Meanwhile, there were higher extracellular γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels and lower extracellular glutamate levels and glutamate/GABA ratio in motor cortex of the intracerebroventricular CHBA-injected mice than that of vehicle-treated ones, indicating a greater extent of central fatigue in CHBA-injected mice than that in vehicle animals. Collectively, our results suggested that an increased level of brain l-lactate acts as a signaling molecule via activating GPR81, which in turn exacerbates central fatigue during exercise.

Brain Glucose Metabolism: Integration of Energetics with Function

Glucose is the long-established, obligatory fuel for brain that fulfills many critical functions, including ATP production, oxidative stress management, and synthesis of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and structural components. Neuronal glucose oxidation exceeds that in astrocytes, but both rates increase in direct proportion to excitatory neurotransmission; signaling and metabolism are closely coupled at the local level. Exact details of neuron-astrocyte glutamate-glutamine cycling remain to be established, and the specific roles of glucose and lactate in the cellular energetics of these processes are debated. Glycolysis is preferentially upregulated during brain activation even though oxygen availability is sufficient (aerobic glycolysis). Three major pathways, glycolysis, pentose phosphate shunt, and glycogen turnover, contribute to utilization of glucose in excess of oxygen, and adrenergic regulation of aerobic glycolysis draws attention to astrocytic metabolism, particularly glycogen turnover, which has a high impact on the oxygen-carbohydrate mismatch. Aerobic glycolysis is proposed to be predominant in young children and specific brain regions, but re-evaluation of data is necessary. Shuttling of glucose- and glycogen-derived lactate from astrocytes to neurons during activation, neurotransmission, and memory consolidation are controversial topics for which alternative mechanisms are proposed. Nutritional therapy and vagus nerve stimulation are translational bridges from metabolism to clinical treatment of diverse brain disorders.

Fibre sub-type specific conduction reveals metabolic function in mouse sciatic nerve

KEY POINTS

We have developed an improved method that enables simultaneous recording of stimulus evoked compound action potentials from large myelinated A fibres and small unmyelinated C fibres in mouse sciatic nerves. Investigations into the ability of fructose to support conduction in sciatic nerve revealed a novel glia-to-axon metabolic pathway in which fructose is converted in Schwann cells to lactate for subsequent shuttling to A fibres. The C fibres most likely directly take up and metabolise fructose. These differences are indicative of fibre sub-type specific metabolic profiles. These results demonstrate that the physiological insights provided by the method can be applied to investigations of peripheral nerve, with a view to understanding the metabolic disruptions that underlie diabetic neuropathy.

ABSTRACT

The stimulus evoked compound action potential (CAP), recorded using suction electrodes, provides an index of the relative number of conducting axons within a nerve trunk. As such the CAP has been used to elucidate the diverse mechanisms of injury resulting from a variety of metabolic insults to central nervous white matter, whilst also providing a model with which to assess the benefits of clinically relevant neuroprotective strategies. In addition the technique lends itself to the study of metabolic cell-to-cell signalling that occurs between glial cells and neurones, and to exploring the ability of non-glucose substrates to support axon conduction. Although peripheral nerves are sensitive to metabolic insult and are susceptible to diabetic neuropathy, there is a lack of fundamental information regarding peripheral nerve metabolism. A confounding factor in such studies is the extended duration demanded by the experimental protocol, requiring stable recording for periods of many hours. We describe a method that allows us to record simultaneously the stimulus evoked CAPs from A and C fibres from mouse sciatic nerve, and demonstrate its utility as applied to investigations into fibre sub-type substrate use. Our results suggest that C fibres directly take up and metabolise fructose, whereas A fibre conduction is supported by fructose-derived lactate, implying there exist unique metabolic profiles in neighbouring fibre sub-types present within the same nerve trunk.

The Science and Translation of Lactate Shuttle Theory

Once thought to be a waste product of anaerobic metabolism, lactate is now known to form continuously under aerobic conditions. Shuttling between producer and consumer cells fulfills at least three purposes for lactate: (1) a major energy source, (2) the major gluconeogenic precursor, and (3) a signaling molecule. "Lactate shuttle" (LS) concepts describe the roles of lactate in delivery of oxidative and gluconeogenic substrates as well as in cell signaling. In medicine, it has long been recognized that the elevation of blood lactate correlates with illness or injury severity. However, with lactate shuttle theory in mind, some clinicians are now appreciating lactatemia as a "strain" and not a "stress" biomarker. In fact, clinical studies are utilizing lactate to treat pro-inflammatory conditions and to deliver optimal fuel for working muscles in sports medicine. The above, as well as historic and recent studies of lactate metabolism and shuttling, are discussed in the following review.

Lactate in the brain: from metabolic end-product to signalling molecule

Lactate in the brain has long been associated with ischaemia; however, more recent evidence shows that it can be found there under physiological conditions. In the brain, lactate is formed predominantly in astrocytes from glucose or glycogen in response to neuronal activity signals. Thus, neurons and astrocytes show tight metabolic coupling. Lactate is transferred from astrocytes to neurons to match the neuronal energetic needs, and to provide signals that modulate neuronal functions, including excitability, plasticity and memory consolidation. In addition, lactate affects several homeostatic functions. Overall, lactate ensures adequate energy supply, modulates neuronal excitability levels and regulates adaptive functions in order to set the 'homeostatic tone' of the nervous system.

Brain metabolism in health, aging, and neurodegeneration

Brain cells normally respond adaptively to bioenergetic challenges resulting from ongoing activity in neuronal circuits, and from environmental energetic stressors such as food deprivation and physical exertion. At the cellular level, such adaptive responses include the "strengthening" of existing synapses, the formation of new synapses, and the production of new neurons from stem cells. At the molecular level, bioenergetic challenges result in the activation of transcription factors that induce the expression of proteins that bolster the resistance of neurons to the kinds of metabolic, oxidative, excitotoxic, and proteotoxic stresses involved in the pathogenesis of brain disorders including stroke, and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Emerging findings suggest that lifestyles that include intermittent bioenergetic challenges, most notably exercise and dietary energy restriction, can increase the likelihood that the brain will function optimally and in the absence of disease throughout life. Here, we provide an overview of cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate brain energy metabolism, how such mechanisms are altered during aging and in neurodegenerative disorders, and the potential applications to brain health and disease of interventions that engage pathways involved in neuronal adaptations to metabolic stress.

Glucose, Lactate, β-Hydroxybutyrate, Acetate, GABA, and Succinate as Substrates for Synthesis of Glutamate and GABA in the Glutamine-Glutamate/GABA Cycle

The glutamine-glutamate/GABA cycle is an astrocytic-neuronal pathway transferring precursors for transmitter glutamate and GABA from astrocytes to neurons. In addition, the cycle carries released transmitter back to astrocytes, where a minor fraction (~25 %) is degraded (requiring a similar amount of resynthesis) and the remainder returned to the neurons for reuse. The flux in the cycle is intense, amounting to the same value as neuronal glucose utilization rate or 75-80 % of total cortical glucose consumption. This glucose:glutamate ratio is reduced when high amounts of β-hydroxybutyrate are present, but β-hydroxybutyrate can at most replace 60 % of glucose during awake brain function. The cycle is initiated by α-ketoglutarate production in astrocytes and its conversion via glutamate to glutamine which is released. A crucial reaction in the cycle is metabolism of glutamine after its accumulation in neurons. In glutamatergic neurons all generated glutamate enters the mitochondria and its exit to the cytosol occurs in a process resembling the malate-aspartate shuttle and therefore requiring concomitant pyruvate metabolism. In GABAergic neurons one half enters the mitochondria, whereas the other one half is released directly from the cytosol. A revised concept is proposed for the synthesis and metabolism of vesicular and nonvesicular GABA. It includes the well-established neuronal GABA reuptake, its metabolism, and use for resynthesis of vesicular GABA. In contrast, mitochondrial glutamate is by transamination to α-ketoglutarate and subsequent retransamination to releasable glutamate essential for the transaminations occurring during metabolism of accumulated GABA and subsequent resynthesis of vesicular GABA.

A cellular perspective on brain energy metabolism and functional imaging

The energy demands of the brain are high: they account for at least 20% of the body's energy consumption. Evolutionary studies indicate that the emergence of higher cognitive functions in humans is associated with an increased glucose utilization and expression of energy metabolism genes. Functional brain imaging techniques such as fMRI and PET, which are widely used in human neuroscience studies, detect signals that monitor energy delivery and use in register with neuronal activity. Recent technological advances in metabolic studies with cellular resolution have afforded decisive insights into the understanding of the cellular and molecular bases of the coupling between neuronal activity and energy metabolism and point at a key role of neuron-astrocyte metabolic interactions. This article reviews some of the most salient features emerging from recent studies and aims at providing an integration of brain energy metabolism across resolution scales.

Sweet sixteen for ANLS

Since its introduction 16 years ago, the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS) model has profoundly modified our understanding of neuroenergetics by bringing a cellular and molecular resolution. Praised or disputed, the concept has never ceased to attract attention, leading to critical advances and unexpected insights. Here, we summarize recent experimental evidence further supporting the main tenets of the model. Thus, evidence for distinct metabolic phenotypes between neurons (mainly oxidative) and astrocytes (mainly glycolytic) have been provided by genomics and classical metabolic approaches. Moreover, it has become clear that astrocytes act as a syncytium to distribute energy substrates such as lactate to active neurones. Glycogen, the main energy reserve located in astrocytes, is used as a lactate source to sustain glutamatergic neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. Lactate is also emerging as a neuroprotective agent as well as a key signal to regulate blood flow. Characterization of monocarboxylate transporter regulation indicates a possible involvement in synaptic plasticity and memory. Finally, several modeling studies captured the implications of such findings for many brain functions. The ANLS model now represents a useful, experimentally based framework to better understand the coupling between neuronal activity and energetics as it relates to neuronal plasticity, neurodegeneration, and functional brain imaging.

Food for thought: the importance of glucose and other energy substrates for sustaining brain function under varying levels of activity

The brain requires a constant and substantial energy supply to maintain its main functions. For decades, it was assumed that glucose was the major if not the only significant source of energy for neurons. This view was supported by the expression of specific facilitative glucose transporters on cerebral blood vessels, as well as neurons. Despite the fact that glucose remains a key energetic substrate for the brain, growing evidence suggests a different scenario. Thus astrocytes, a major type of glial cells that express their own glucose transporter, play a critical role in coupling synaptic activity with glucose utilization. It was shown that glutamatergic activity triggers an enhancement of aerobic glycolysis in this cell type. As a result, lactate is provided to neurons as an additional energy substrate. Indeed, lactate has proven to be a preferential energy substrate for neurons under various conditions. A family of proton-linked carriers known as monocarboxylate transporters has been described and specific members have been found to be expressed by endothelial cells, astrocytes and neurons. Moreover, these transporters are subject to fine regulation of their expression levels and localization, notably in neurons, which suggests that lactate supply could be adjusted as a function of their level of activity. Considering the importance of energetics in the aetiology of several neurodegenerative diseases, a better understanding of its cellular and molecular underpinnings might have important implications for the future development of neuroprotective strategies.

Energy metabolism in astrocytes: high rate of oxidative metabolism and spatiotemporal dependence on glycolysis/glycogenolysis

Astrocytic energy demand is stimulated by K(+) and glutamate uptake, signaling processes, responses to neurotransmitters, Ca(2+) fluxes, and filopodial motility. Astrocytes derive energy from glycolytic and oxidative pathways, but respiration, with its high-energy yield, provides most adenosine 5' triphosphate (ATP). The proportion of cortical oxidative metabolism attributed to astrocytes ( approximately 30%) in in vivo nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic and autoradiographic studies corresponds to their volume fraction, indicating similar oxidation rates in astrocytes and neurons. Astrocyte-selective expression of pyruvate carboxylase (PC) enables synthesis of glutamate from glucose, accounting for two-thirds of astrocytic glucose degradation via combined pyruvate carboxylation and dehydrogenation. Together, glutamate synthesis and oxidation, including neurotransmitter turnover, generate almost as much energy as direct glucose oxidation. Glycolysis and glycogenolysis are essential for astrocytic responses to increasing energy demand because astrocytic filopodial and lamellipodial extensions, which account for 80% of their surface area, are too narrow to accommodate mitochondria; these processes depend on glycolysis, glycogenolysis, and probably diffusion of ATP and phosphocreatine formed via mitochondrial metabolism to satisfy their energy demands. High glycogen turnover in astrocytic processes may stimulate glucose demand and lactate production because less ATP is generated when glucose is metabolized via glycogen, thereby contributing to the decreased oxygen to glucose utilization ratio during brain activation. Generated lactate can spread from activated astrocytes via low-affinity monocarboxylate transporters and gap junctions, but its subsequent fate is unknown. Astrocytic metabolic compartmentation arises from their complex ultrastructure; astrocytes have high oxidative rates plus dependence on glycolysis and glycogenolysis, and their energetics is underestimated if based solely on glutamate cycling.

Fructose metabolism in the adult mouse optic nerve, a central white matter tract

Our recent report that fructose supported the metabolism of some, but not all axons, in the adult mouse optic nerve prompted us to investigate in detail fructose metabolism in this tissue, a typical central white matter tract, as these data imply efficient fructose metabolism in the central nervous system (CNS). In artificial cerebrospinal fluid containing 10 mmol/L glucose or 20 mmol/L fructose, the stimulus-evoked compound action potential (CAP) recorded from the optic nerve consisted of three stable peaks. Replacing 10 mmol/L glucose with 10 mmol/L fructose, however, caused delayed loss of the 1st CAP peak (the 2nd and 3rd CAP peaks were unaffected). Glycogen-derived metabolic substrate(s) temporarily sustained the 1st CAP peak in 10 mmol/L fructose, as depletion of tissue glycogen by a prior period of aglycaemia or high-frequency CAP discharge rendered fructose incapable of supporting the 1st CAP peak. Enzyme assays showed the presence of both hexokinase and fructokinase (both of which can phosphorylate fructose) in the optic nerve. In contrast, only hexokinase was expressed in cerebral cortex. Hexokinase in optic nerve had low affinity and low capacity with fructose as substrate, whereas fructokinase displayed high affinity and high capacity for fructose. These findings suggest an explanation for the curious fact that the fast conducting axons comprising the 1st peak of the CAP are not supported in 10 mmol/L fructose medium; these axons probably do not express fructokinase, a requirement for efficient fructose metabolism.

Glucose and lactate are equally effective in energizing activity-dependent synaptic vesicle turnover in purified cortical neurons

This study examines the role of glucose and lactate as energy substrates to sustain synaptic vesicle cycling. Synaptic vesicle turnover was assessed in a quantitative manner by fluorescence microscopy in primary cultures of mouse cortical neurons. An electrode-equipped perfusion chamber was used to stimulate cells both by electrical field and potassium depolarization during image acquisition. An image analysis procedure was elaborated to select in an unbiased manner synaptic boutons loaded with the fluorescent dye N-(3-triethylammoniumpropyl)-4-(4-(dibutylamino)styryl)pyridinium dibromide (FM1-43). Whereas a minority of the sites fully released their dye content following electrical stimulation, others needed subsequent K(+) depolarization to achieve full release. This functional heterogeneity was not significantly altered by the nature of metabolic substrates. Repetitive stimulation sequences of FM1-43 uptake and release were then performed in the absence of any metabolic substrate and showed that the number of active sites dramatically decreased after the first cycle of loading/unloading. The presence of 1 mM glucose or lactate was sufficient to sustain synaptic vesicle cycling under these conditions. Moreover, both substrates were equivalent for recovery of function after a phase of decreased metabolic substrate availability. Thus, lactate appears to be equivalent to glucose for sustaining synaptic vesicle turnover in cultured cortical neurons during activity.

Lactate: the ultimate cerebral oxidative energy substrate?

Research over the past two decades has renewed the interest in lactate, no longer as a useless end product of anaerobic glycolysis in brain (and other tissues), but as an oxidative substrate for energy metabolism. While this topic would be considered blasphemy only three decades ago, much recent evidence indicates that lactate does play a major role in aerobic energy metabolism in the brain, the heart, skeletal muscle, and possibly in any other tissue and organ. Nevertheless, this concept has challenged the old dogma and ignited a fierce debate, especially among neuroscientists, pitting the supporters of glucose as the major oxidative energy substrate against those who support lactate as a possible alternative to glucose under certain conditions. Meanwhile, researchers working on energy metabolism in skeletal muscle have taken great strides toward bridging between these two extreme positions, while avoiding the high decibels of an emotional debate. Employing their findings along with the existing old and new data on cerebral energy metabolism, it is postulated here that lactate is the only major product of cerebral (and other tissues) glycolysis, whether aerobic or anaerobic, neuronal or astrocytic, under rest or during activation. Consequently, this postulate entails that lactate is a major, if not the only, substrate for the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle. If proven true, this hypothesis could provide better understanding of the biochemistry and physiology of (cerebral) energy metabolism, while holding important implications in the field of neuroimaging. Concomitantly, it could satisfy both 'glucoseniks' and 'lactatians' in the ongoing debate.

Transfer of glycogen-derived lactate from astrocytes to axons via specific monocarboxylate transporters supports mouse optic nerve activity

It is hypothesized that L-lactate derived from astrocyte glycogen sustains axon excitability in mouse optic nerve (MON). This theory was tested by using a competitive antagonist of L-lactate transport and immunocytochemistry to determine whether transport proteins are appropriately distributed in adult MON. L-lactate sustained the compound action potential (CAP), indicating that exogenous L-lactate was an effective energy substrate. During 60 min of aglycemia, the CAP persisted for 30 min, surviving on a glycogen-derived substrate (probably lactate), before failing. After failing, the CAP could be partially rescued by restoring 10 mM glucose or 20 mM L-lactate. Aglycemia in the presence of 20 mM D-lactate, a metabolically inert but transportable monocarboxylate, resulted in accelerated CAP decline compared with aglycemia alone, suggesting that D-lactate blocked the axonal uptake of glycogen-derived L-lactate, speeding the onset of energy failure and loss of the CAP. The CAP was maintained for up to 2 hr when exposed to 20% of normal bath glucose (i.e., 2 mM). To test whether glycogen-derived L-lactate "supplemented" available glucose (2 mM) in supporting metabolism, L-lactate uptake into axons was reduced by the competitive inhibitor D-lactate. Indeed, in the presence of 20 mM D-lactate, the CAP was lost more rapidly in MONs bathed in 2 mM glucose artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Immunocytochemical staining demonstrated cell-specific expression of monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) subtypes, localizing MCT2 predominantly to axons and MCT1 predominantly to astrocytes, supporting the idea that L-lactate is released from astrocytes and taken up by axons as an energy source for sustaining axon excitability.

How astrocytes feed hungry neurons

For years glucose was thought to constitute the sole energy substrate for neurons; it was believed to be directly provided to neurons via the extracellular space by the cerebral circulation. It was recently proposed that in addition to glucose, neurons might rely on lactate to sustain their activity. Therefore, it was demonstrated that lactate is a preferred oxidative substrate for neurons not only in vitro but also in vivo. Moreover, the presence of specific monocarboxylate transporters on neurons as well as on astrocytes is consistent with the hypothesis of a transfer of lactate from astrocytes to neurons. Evidence has been provided for a mechanism whereby astrocytes respond to glutamatergic activity by enhancing their glycolytic activity, resulting in increased lactate release. This is accomplished via the uptake of glutamate by glial glutamate transporters, leading to activation of the Na+/K+ ATPase and a stimulation of astrocytic glycolysis. Several recent observations obtained both in vitro and in vivo with different approaches have reinforced this view of brain energetics. Such an understanding might be critically important, not only because it forms the basis of some classical functional brain imaging techniques but also because several neurodegenerative diseases exhibit diverse alterations in energy metabolism.

Compartmentation of Lactate Originating from Glycogen and Glucose in Cultured Astrocytes

Brain glycogen metabolism was investigated by employing isofagomine, an inhibitor of glycogen phosphorylase. Cultured cerebellar and neocortical astrocytes were incubated in medium containing [U-(13C)]glucose in the absence or presence of isofagomine and the amounts and percent labeling of intra- and extracellular metabolites were determined by mass spectrometry (MS). The percent labeling in glycogen was markedly decreased in the presence of isofagomine. Surprisingly, the percent labeling of intracellular lactate was also decreased demonstrating the importance of glycogen turnover. The decrease was limited to the percent labeling in the intracellular pool of lactate, which was considerably lower compared to that observed in the medium in which it was close to 100%. These findings indicate compartmentation of lactate derived from glycogenolysis and that derived from glycolysis. Inhibiting glycogen degradation had no effect on the percent labeling in citrate. However, the percent labeling of extracellular glutamine was slightly decreased in neocortical astrocytes exposed to isofagomine, indicating an importance of glycogen turnover in the synthesis of releasable glutamine. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that glycogen in cultured astrocytes is continuously synthesized and degraded. Moreover, it was found that lactate originating from glycogen is compartmentalized from that derived from glucose, which lends further support to a compartmentalized metabolism in astrocytes.

l-lactate measures in brain tissue with ceramic-based multisite microelectrodes

A newly developed multisite array microelectrode for in vivo measurements of L-lactate is presented. The resulting microelectrode is composed of three functional layers. First, Nafion is used to repel interfering electroactive anions, such as ascorbate. Second, L-lactate oxidase immobilized onto the recording sites is used to convert L-lactate to hydrogen peroxide. The H2O2 produced is proportional to L-lactate concentrations and is quantified at the platinum recording sites. Third, a layer of polyurethane is coated over the L-lactate oxidase to adjust the linear range of the microelectrode to one that is compatible with in vivo measurements. This layer reduces the amount of L-lactate that diffuses to the enzyme while not significantly limiting oxygen diffusion. The resulting L-lactate microelectrodes were linear to 20 mM (R2 = 0.997 +/- 0.001) and beyond in some cases with detection limits of 0.078 +/- 0.013 mM (n = 12). The selectivity and response time of these electrodes make them suitable for in vivo measurements in brain tissue. Self-referencing recordings may be utilized to further improve the selectivity of the recordings. However this is not necessary for most applications in the brain, because the resting and stimulated levels of dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), and other potentially interfering cations are two to three orders of magnitude lower than that of in vivo L-lactate, which is in the millimolar range. Preliminary in vivo measures of L-lactate in the brain of anesthetized rats support that the microelectrodes are capable of measuring rapid endogenous changes in vivo.

Lactate is a preferential oxidative energy substrate over glucose for neurons in culture

The authors investigated concomitant lactate and glucose metabolism in primary neuronal cultures using 13C- and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Neurons were incubated in a medium containing either [1-13C]glucose and different unlabeled lactate concentrations, or unlabeled glucose and different [3-13C]lactate concentrations. Overall, 13C-NMR spectra of cellular extracts showed that more 13C was incorporated into glutamate when lactate was the enriched substrate. Glutamate 13C-enrichment was also found to be much higher in lactate-labeled than in glucose-labeled conditions. When glucose and lactate concentrations were identical (5.5 mmol/L), relative contributions of glucose and lactate to neuronal oxidative metabolism amounted to 21% and 79%, respectively. Results clearly indicate that when neurons are in the presence of both glucose and lactate, they preferentially use lactate as their main oxidative substrate.

Lactate as a pivotal element in neuron-glia metabolic cooperation

Lactate has been considered for a long time as a metabolic waste and/or a sign of hypoxia in the central nervous system. Nevertheless, clear evidence that lactate can constitute an adequate energy substrate for brain tissue has been provided as early as in the 1950s with the pioneering work of McIlwain in brain slices. Over the years, several studies using different approaches have confirmed that lactate is efficiently oxidized by brain cells in vitro. Moreover, lactate has been shown under certain circumstances to have a neuroprotective effect and support neuronal activity. Similar confirmation of lactate utilization in vivo as well as putative neuroprotection in various excitotoxic models has been provided. Lactate was even shown to restore cognitive performance upon an hypoglycemic episode in humans. More recently, it was proposed that lactate could be produced by astrocytes and released in the extracellular space to form a pool readily available for neurons in case of high energy demands. Several elements support the concept of a lactate shuttle between astrocytes and neurons in the central nervous system. Among them, the description of specific monocarboxylate transporters found on both astrocytes and neurons is an important observation consistent with this concept. Interestingly, lactate shuttles between different cell types within the same organ have been described outside the central nervous system, notably in muscle and testis. Thus, lactate is emerging as a valuable intercellular exchange molecule in different systems including the brain where it might be an essential element of neuron-glia metabolic interactions.

Glycogen regulation and functional role in mouse white matter

CNS glycogen, contained predominantly in astrocytes, can be converted to a monocarboxylate and transported to axons as an energy source during aglycaemia. We analysed glycogen regulation and the role of glycogen in supporting neural activity in adult mouse optic nerve, a favourable white matter preparation. Axon function was quantified by measuring the compound action potential (CAP) area. During aglycaemia, axon function persisted for 20 min, then declined in conjunction with glycogen content. Lactate fully supported CAPs in the absence of glucose, but was unable to sustain glycogen content; thus, axon failure occurred rapidly when lactate was withdrawn. Glycogen content in the steady state was directly proportional to bath glucose concentration. Increasing [K+]o to 10 mM caused a rapid decrease in glycogen content. Latency to onset of CAP failure during aglycaemia was directly proportional to glycogen content and varied from about 2 to 30 min. Intense neural activity reduced glycogen content in the presence of 10 mM bath glucose and CAP area gradually declined. CAP area declined more rapidly during high frequency stimulation if monocarboxylate transport was inhibited. This suggested that astrocytic glycogen was broken down to a monocarboxylate(s) that was used by rapidly discharging axons. Likewise, depleting glycogen by brief periods of high frequency axon stimulation accelerated onset of CAP decline during aglycaemia. In summary, these experiments indicated that glycogen content was under dynamic control and that glycogen was used to support the energy needs of CNS axons during both physiological as well as pathological processes.

Alteration of amino acid metabolism in neuronal aggregate cultures exposed to hypoglycaemic conditions

The neuronal effects of glucose deficiency on amino acid metabolism was studied on three-dimensional cultures of rat telencephalon neurones. Transient (6 h) exposure of differentiated cultures to low glucose (0.25 mm instead of 25 mm) caused irreversible damage, as judged by the marked decrease in the activities of two neurone-specific enzymes and lactate dehydrogenase, 1 week after the hypoglycemic insult. Quantification of amino acids and ammonia in the culture media supernatants indicated increased amino acid utilization and ammonia production during glucose-deficiency. Measurement of intracellular amino acids showed decreased levels of alanine, glutamine, glutamate and GABA, while aspartate was increased. Added lactate (11 mm) during glucose deficiency largely prevented the changes in amino acid metabolism and ammonia production, and attenuated irreversible damage. Higher media levels of glutamine (4 mm instead of 0.25 mm) during glucose deprivation prevented the decrease of intracellular glutamate and GABA, while it further increased intracellular aspartate, ammonia production and neuronal damage. Both lactate and glutamine were readily oxidized in these neuronal cultures. The present results suggest that in neurones, glucose deficiency enhances amino acid deamination at the expense of transamination reactions. This results in increased ammonia production and neuronal damage.

Feeding active neurons: (re)emergence of a nursing role for astrocytes

Despite unquestionable evidence that glucose is the major energy substrate for the brain, data collected over several decades with different approaches suggest that lactate may represent a supplementary metabolic substrate for neurons. Starting with the pioneering work of McIlwain in the early 1950s which showed that lactate can sustain the respiratory rate of small brain tissue pieces, this idea receives confirmation with more recent studies using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy undoubtedly demonstrating that lactate is efficiently oxidized by neurons, both in vitro and in vivo. Not only is lactate able to maintain ATP levels and promote neuronal survival but it was also found to support neuronal activity, at least if low levels of glucose are present. Despite the early suggestion for a role of astrocytes in metabolic supply to neurons, it is only recently however that they have been considered as a potential source of lactate for neurons. Moreover, it has been proposed that astrocytes might provide lactate to neurons in response to enhanced synaptic activity by a well-characterized mechanism involving glutamate uptake. The description of specific transporters for lactate on both astrocytes and neurons further suggest that there exist a coordinated mechanism of lactate exchange between the two cell types. Thus it is proposed that astrocytes play a nursing role toward neurons by providing lactate as an additional energy substrate especially during periods of enhanced synaptic activity. The importance of this metabolic cooperation within the central nervous system, although not unique if compared to other organs, still remains to be explored.

Further studies on the effects of topical lactate on amino acid efflux from the ischemic rat cortex

A rat four-vessel cerebral occlusion model was used to examine the effects of D-lactate and oxamate, a lactate dehydrogenase inhibitor, on cortical window superfusate levels of amino acids, glucose and L-lactate. Superfusate levels of aspartate, glutamate, taurine, GABA and phosphoethanolamine rose during ischemia and then declined during reperfusion. Glycine and alanine levels tended to increase during reperfusion, whereas glutamine levels were lower. Serine levels were not altered. Glucose levels declined rapidly during ischemia and recovered during reperfusion. Lactate levels were sustained during ischemia and increased during reperfusion. Unlike L-lactate, which attenuated ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) evoked amino acid release (J.W. Phillis, D. Song, L.L. Guyot, M.H. O'Regan, Lactate reduces amino acid release and fuels recovery of function in the ischemic brain, Neurosci. Lett. 272 (1999) 195-198), topical application of D-lactate (20 mM), which is not used as an energy substrate, enhanced the I/R release of aspartate, glutamate, GABA and taurine into cortical superfusates, and also elevated L-lactate levels above those in the controls. Glucose levels were not altered. Oxamate (20 mM) application elevated the pre-ischemia levels of alanine, glycine and GABA and those of GABA during ischemia. Levels of all amino acids, with the exception of phosphoethanolamine, were elevated during reperfusion. Oxamate, an inhibitor of lactate dehydrogenases 1 and 5, did not alter the pattern of efflux of glucose and L-lactate. In the presence of oxamate, L-lactate (20 mM) failed to inhibit amino acid release. The failure of D-lactate to attenuate amino acid release confirms the inability of this isomer to act as a metabolic substrate. The oxamate data indicate that inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase is detrimental to the viability of cortical cells during I/R, even though extracellular lactate levels are elevated. The pre-ischemia increases in alanine and glycine are suggestive of elevations in pyruvate as a result of the block of its conversion to lactate, with transamination reactions converting pyruvate to form these amino acids. In summary, the results further substantiate the concept of a role for L-lactate as a cerebral energy substrate.

Interactions among glucose, lactate and adenosine regulate energy substrate utilization in hippocampal cultures

Glucose is the major energy source during normal adult brain activity. However, it appears that glial-derived lactate is preferred as an energy substrate by neurons following hypoxia-ischemia. We examined factors influencing this switch in energetic bias from glucose to lactate in cultured hippocampal neurons, focusing on the effects of the physiological changes in lactate, glucose and adenosine concentrations seen during hypoxia-ischemia. We show that with typical basal concentrations of lactate and glucose, lactate had no effect on glucose uptake. However, at the concentrations of these metabolites found after hypoxia-ischemia, lactate inhibited glucose uptake. Reciprocally, glucose had no effect on lactate utilization regardless of glucose and lactate concentrations. Furthermore, we find that under hypoglycemic conditions adenosine had a small, but significant, inhibitory effect on glucose uptake. Additionally, adenosine increased lactate utilization. Thus, the relative concentrations of glucose, lactate and adenosine, which are indicative of the energy status of the hippocampus, influence which energy substrates are used. These results support the idea that after hypoxia-ischemia, neurons are biased in the direction of lactate rather than glucose utilization and this is accomplished through a number of regulatory steps.

Local injection of antisense oligonucleotides targeted to the glial glutamate transporter GLAST decreases the metabolic response to somatosensory activation

The mechanisms responsible for the local increase in brain glucose utilization during functional activation remain unknown. Recent in vitro studies have identified a new signaling pathway involving an activation of glial glutamate transporters and enhancement of neuron-astrocyte metabolic interactions that suggest a putative coupling mechanism. The aim of the present study was to determine whether one of the glutamate transporters exclusively expressed in astrocytes, GLAST, is involved in the neurometabolic coupling in vivo. For this purpose, rats were microinjected into the posteromedial barrel subfield (PMBSF) of the somatosensory cortex with GLAST antisense or random phosphorothioate oligonucleotides. The physiologic activation was performed by stimulating the whisker-to-barrel pathway in anesthetized rats while measuring local cerebral glucose utilization by quantitative autoradiography in the PMBSF. Twenty-four hours after injection of two different antisense GLAST oligonucleotide sequences, and despite the presence of normal whisker-related neuronal activity in the PMBSF, the metabolic response to whisker stimulation was decreased by more than 50%. Injection of the corresponding random sequences still allowed a significant increase in glucose utilization in the activated area. The present study highlights the contribution of astrocytes to neurometabolic coupling in vivo. It provides evidence that glial glutamate transporters are key molecular components of this coupling and that neuronal glutamatergic activity is an important determinant of energy utilization. Results indicate that astrocytes should also be considered as possible sources of altered brain metabolism that could explain the distinct imaging signals observed in some pathologic situations.

Comparison of fMRI and PEPSI during language processing in children

The present study explored the correlation between lactate as detected by MR spectroscopy (MRS) and blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) responses in male children during auditory-based language tasks. All subjects (N = 8) participated in one proton echo planar spectroscopic imaging (PEPSI) and one functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) session that required phonological and lexical judgments to aurally presented stimuli. Valid PEPSI data was limited in the frontal areas of the brain due to the magnetic susceptibility of the eye orbits and frontal sinuses. Findings from the remainder of the brain indicate that subjects show a significant consistency across imaging techniques in the left temporal area during the lexical task, but not in any other measurable area or during the phonological task. Magn Reson Med 45:217-225, 2001.

Studies on the effects of lactate transport inhibition, pyruvate, glucose and glutamine on amino acid, lactate and glucose release from the ischemic rat cerebral cortex

A rat four vessel occlusion model was utilized to examine the effects of ischemia/reperfusion on cortical window superfusate levels of amino acids, glucose, and lactate. Superfusate aspartate, glutamate, phosphoethanolamine, taurine, and GABA were significantly elevated by cerebral ischemia, then declined during reperfusion. Other amino acids were affected to a lesser degree. Superfusate lactate rose slightly during the initial ischemic period, declined during continued cerebral ischemia and then was greatly elevated during reperfusion. Superfusate glucose levels declined to near zero levels during ischemia and then rebounded beyond basal levels during the reperfusion period. Inhibition of neuronal lactate uptake with alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate dramatically elevated superfusate lactate levels, enhanced the ischemia/reperfusion evoked release of aspartate but reduced glutamine levels. Topical application of an alternative metabolic fuel, glutamine, had a dose dependent effect. Glutamine (1 mM) elevated basal superfusate glucose levels, diminished the decline in glucose during ischemia, and accelerated its recovery during reperfusion. Lactate levels were elevated during ischemia and reperfusion. These effects were not evident at 5 mM glutamine. At both concentrations, glutamine significantly elevated the superfusate levels of glutamate. Topical application of sodium pyruvate (20 mM) significantly attenuated the decline in superfusate glucose during ischemia and enhanced the levels of both glucose and lactate during reperfusion. However, it had little effect on the ischemia-evoked accumulation of amino acids. Topical application of glucose (450 mg/dL) significantly elevated basal superfusate levels of lactate, which continued to be elevated during both ischemia and reperfusion. The ischemia-evoked accumulations of aspartate, glutamate, taurine and GABA were all significantly depressed by glucose, while phosphoethanolamine levels were elevated. These results support the role of lactate in neuronal metabolism during ischemia/reperfusion. Both glucose and glutamine were also used as energy substrates. In contrast, sodium pyruvate does not appear to be as effectively utilized by the ischemic/reperfused rat brain since it did not reduce ischemia-evoked amino acid efflux.

CNS energy metabolism as related to function

Large amounts of energy are required to maintain the signaling activities of CNS cells. Because of the fine-grained heterogeneity of brain and the rapid changes in energy demand, it has been difficult to monitor rates of energy generation and consumption at the cellular level and even more difficult at the subcellular level. Mechanisms to facilitate energy transfer within cells include the juxtaposition of sites of generation with sites of consumption and the transfer of approximately P by the creatine kinase/creatine phosphate and the adenylate kinase systems. There is evidence that glycolysis is separated from oxidative metabolism at some sites with lactate becoming an important substrate. Carbonic anhydrase may play a role in buffering activity-induced increases in lactic acid. Relatively little energy is used for 'vegetative' processes. The great majority is used for signaling processes, particularly Na(+) transport. The brain has very small energy reserves, and the margin of safety between the energy that can be generated and the energy required for maximum activity is also small. It seems probable that the supply of energy may impose a limit on the activity of a neuron under normal conditions. A number of mechanisms have evolved to reduce activity when energy levels are diminished.

Cerebral intracellular lactic alkalosis persisting months after neonatal encephalopathy measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy

We have found that cerebral lactate can be detected later than 1 month of age after neonatal encephalopathy (NE) in infants with severe neurodevelopmental impairment at 1 y. Our hypothesis was that persisting lactate after NE is associated with alkalosis and a decreased cell phosphorylation potential. Forty-three infants with NE underwent proton and phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 0.2-56 wk postnatal age. Seventy-seven examinations were obtained: 25 aged <2 wk, 16 aged > or = 2 to < or = 4 wk, 25 aged > 4 to < or = 30 wk, and 11 aged > 30 wk. Neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed at 1 y of age: 17 infants had a normal outcome and 26 infants had an abnormal outcome. Using univariate linear regression, we determined that increased lactate/creatine plus phosphocreatine (Cr) was associated with an alkaline intracellular pH (pHi) (p < 0.001) and increased inorganic phosphate/phosphocreatine (Pi/PCr) (p < 0.001). This relationship was significant, irrespective of outcome group or age at time of study. Between outcome groups, there were significant differences for lactate/Cr measured at < 2 wk (p = 0.005) and > 4 to < or = 30 wk (p = 0.01); Pi/PCr measured at < 2 wk (p < 0.001); pHi measured at < 2 wk (p < 0.001), > or = 2 to < or = 4 wk (p = 0.02) and > 4 to < or = 30 wk (p = 0.03); and for N-acetylaspartate/Cr measured at > or = 2 to < or = 4 wk (p = 0.03) and > 4 to < or = 30 wk (p = 0.01). Possible mechanisms leading to this persisting cerebral lactic alkalosis are a prolonged change in redox state within neuronal cells, the presence of phagocytic cells, the proliferation of glial cells, or altered buffering mechanisms. These findings may have implications for therapeutic intervention.

Study of cerebral energy metabolism using the rat hippocampal slice preparation

This article describes methods and experimental paradigms used in combination with the rat hippocampal slice preparation in an attempt to better understand cerebral energy metabolism under the following conditions: normal resting conditions, conditions of oxygen and/or glucose deprivation, and conditions of activation (excitation). The outcome of this attempt, as described herewith, demonstrates the unmatched usefulness of the brain slice preparation as an in vitro tool in the field of neuroscience.

An increase in lactate output by brain tissue serves to meet the energy needs of glutamate-activated neurons

Aerobic energy metabolism uses glucose and oxygen to produce all the energy needs of the brain. Several studies published over the last 13 years challenged the assumption that the activated brain increases its oxidative glucose metabolism to meet the increased energy demands. Neuronal function in rat hippocampal slices supplied with 4 mM glucose could tolerate a 15 min activation by a 5 mM concentration of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate (Glu), whereas slices supplied with 10 mM glucose could tolerate a 15 min activation by 20 mM Glu. However, in slices in which neuronal lactate use was inhibited by the lactate transporter inhibitor a-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate (4-CIN), activation by Glu elicited a permanent loss of neuronal function, with a twofold to threefold increase in tissue lactate content. Inhibition of glycolysis with the glucose analog 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) during the period of exposure to Glu diminished normal neuronal function in the majority of slices and significantly reduced the number of slices that exhibited neuronal function after activation. However, when lactate was added with 2DG, the majority of the slices were neuronally functional after activation by Glu. NMDA, a nontransportable Glu analog by the glial glutamate transporter, could not induce a significant increase in slice lactate level when administered in the presence of 4-CIN. It is suggested that the heightened energy demands of activated neurons are met through increased glial glycolytic flux. The lactate thus formed is a crucial aerobic energy substrate that enables neurons to endure activation.

An increase in lactate output by brain tissue serves to meet the energy needs of glutamate-activated neurons

Aerobic energy metabolism uses glucose and oxygen to produce all the energy needs of the brain. Several studies published over the last 13 years challenged the assumption that the activated brain increases its oxidative glucose metabolism to meet the increased energy demands. Neuronal function in rat hippocampal slices supplied with 4 mM glucose could tolerate a 15 min activation by a 5 mM concentration of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate (Glu), whereas slices supplied with 10 mM glucose could tolerate a 15 min activation by 20 mM Glu. However, in slices in which neuronal lactate use was inhibited by the lactate transporter inhibitor a-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate (4-CIN), activation by Glu elicited a permanent loss of neuronal function, with a twofold to threefold increase in tissue lactate content. Inhibition of glycolysis with the glucose analog 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) during the period of exposure to Glu diminished normal neuronal function in the majority of slices and significantly reduced the number of slices that exhibited neuronal function after activation. However, when lactate was added with 2DG, the majority of the slices were neuronally functional after activation by Glu. NMDA, a nontransportable Glu analog by the glial glutamate transporter, could not induce a significant increase in slice lactate level when administered in the presence of 4-CIN. It is suggested that the heightened energy demands of activated neurons are met through increased glial glycolytic flux. The lactate thus formed is a crucial aerobic energy substrate that enables neurons to endure activation.

Interference with cellular energy metabolism reduces kynurenic acid formation in rat brain slices: reversal by lactate and pyruvate

This study was designed to investigate the role of cellular energy metabolism in the de novo formation of the endogenous excitatory amino acid receptor antagonist, kynurenic acid. Using rat cortical tissue slices, the roles of glucose transport, glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates and oxidative phosphorylation were studied. Inhibition of glucose utilization resulted in quantitatively similar decreases in kynurenine uptake, kynurenic acid production and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction, a marker of mitochondrial activity. The end product of glycolysis, pyruvate, as well as lactate, attenuated all three deficits. Pyruvate also significantly increased kynurenic acid formation in normal brain slices without affecting kynurenine uptake. Oxaloacetate and alpha-ketoglutarate (tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates) were the only compounds tested which were capable of duplicating the effects of pyruvate, indicating that 2-oxoacids can stimulate kynurenic acid synthesis by acting as aminoacceptors in the enzymatic transamination of kynurenine. When the mitochondrial electron transport chain was blocked by specific inhibitors, coincubation with succinate restored the rate of MTT formazan formation to normal (except in the case of 3-nitropropionic acid), yet failed to prevent the resulting reduction in kynurenic acid synthesis. Conversely, pyruvate increased kynurenic acid production in the presence of all inhibitors (except cyanide), but did not attenuate the reduction in kynurenine uptake and MTT formazan formation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that interference with cellular energy metabolism causes mechanistically diverse, pronounced reductions in the cerebral neosynthesis of kynurenic acid, and that 2-oxoacids and lactate can effectively reverse most of these detrimental effects.

Expression of monocarboxylate transporter mRNAs in mouse brain: support for a distinct role of lactate as an energy substrate for the neonatal vs. adult brain

Under particular circumstances like lactation and fasting, the blood-borne monocarboxylates acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and lactate represent significant energy substrates for the brain. Their utilization is dependent on a transport system present on both endothelial cells forming the blood-brain barrier and on intraparenchymal brain cells. Recently, two monocarboxylate transporters, MCT1 and MCT2, have been cloned. We report here the characterization by Northern blot analysis and by in situ hybridization of the expression of MCT1 and MCT2 mRNAs in the mouse brain. In adults, both transporter mRNAs are highly expressed in the cortex, the hippocampus and the cerebellum. During development, a peak in the expression of both transporters occurs around postnatal day 15, declining rapidly by 30 days at levels observed in adults. Double-labeling experiments reveal that the expression of MCT1 mRNA in endothelial cells is highest at postnatal day 15 and is not detectable at adult stages. These results support the notion that monocarboxylates are important energy substrates for the brain at early postnatal stages and are consistent with the sharp decrease in blood-borne monocarboxylate utilization after weaning. In addition, the observation of a sustained intraparenchymal expression of monocarboxylate transporter mRNAs in adults, in face of the seemingly complete disappearance of their expression on endothelial cells, reinforces the view that an intercellular exchange of lactate occurs within the adult brain.

Glia are the main source of lactate utilized by neurons for recovery of function posthypoxia

Experiments are described in which a rat hippocampal slice preparation was used along with the metabolic glial inhibitor, fluorocitrate (FC), to investigate the role of glial-made lactate and its shuttling to neurons in posthypoxia recovery of synaptic function. After testing two less effective concentrations of FC, only 10.1 +/- 6.5% of slices treated with 100 microM of the metabolic toxin recovered synaptic function at the end of 10-min hypoxia and 30-min reoxygenation. In contrast, 79.6 +/- 7.4% of control, untreated slices recovered synaptic function after 10-min hypoxia and 30-min reoxygenation. The low rate of recovery of synaptic function posthypoxia in FC-treated slices occurred despite the abundance of glucose present in the medium before, during, and after hypoxia. The amount of lactate produced by FC-treated slices during the hypoxic period was only 62% of that produced by control, untreated slices. Supplementing FC-treated slices with exogenous lactate significantly increased the posthypoxia recovery rate of synaptic function. These results strongly support our previous findings concerning the mandatory role of lactate as an aerobic energy substrate for the recovery of synaptic function posthypoxia and clearly show that the bulk of the lactate needed for this recovery originates in glial cells.

Age-related alterations in energy metabolism contribute to the increased vulnerability of the aging brain to anoxic damage

Aging increases the vulnerability of brain tissue to anoxia and ischemia. We investigated whether age-related alterations in energy metabolism underlie this increased vulnerability. Energy metabolism was manipulated in hippocampal slices from Fischer 344 rats of ages 6-9 (young adult), 16-19 (middle-aged adult), and 26-29 (aged adult) months by altering glucose concentrations or by using lactate instead of glucose as the metabolic substrate. Extracellular K+ activity (K+o) and synaptic excitability were monitored in stratum pyramidale of hippocampal subfield CA1. Aging diminished how well increasing concentrations of glucose delayed onset of anoxic depolarization and improved postanoxic recovery of K+o homeostasis and synaptic transmission. Hippocampal slices from all age groups responded to anoxia similarly when lactate was present instead of glucose. Also, no age-related differences were seen in normoxic ATP and phosphocreatine levels. These results suggest that an age-related decline in the glycolytic capacity of brain cells contributes to earlier onset of anoxic depolarization and poorer recovery of ion homeostasis and synaptic transmission in aging brain tissue.

Glycolysis and recovery of potassium ion homeostasis and synaptic transmission in hippocampal slices after anoxia or stimulated potassium release

The present study was undertaken to determine whether glycolytic energy production was critical to the survival of brain tissue subjected to metabolic stress. Specifically, the contributions of glycolysis (1) to recovery of ion homeostasis after anoxia or high frequency electrical stimulation, and (2) to recovery of synaptic transmission after anoxia, were examined. Energy metabolism in rat hippocampal slices was manipulated by varying glucose concentrations, and by substituting lactate for glucose. Ion transport was slower and recovery of synaptic transmission after anoxia was greatly impeded in the absence of glycolysis. These results support the hypothesis that glycolytic ATP production is tied directly or indirectly to ion transport. The results also suggest that recovery of synaptic transmission following anoxia requires glycolytic ATP.