METABOLISM OF THE ISOLATED PERFUSED CAT's BRAIN

Abstract

1. A method of perfusing the isolated cat's brain has been outlined together with an apparatus for recording continuously the oxygen consumption of such a preparation. 2. Blood‐flows were found to be 60–90 c.c./100 g./min. at pressures of 120–150 mm. Hg. Flows below 45 c.c./100 g./min. were incapable of maintaining cerebral function as judged by the presence of the corneal reflex. 3. Oxygen consumption of cat's brain was found to be between 200–300 c.c./100 g./hr. Oxygen usage was always in excess of that required for the complete oxidative removal of carbohydrate. 4. Usage of both glucose and lactate has been observed, but there appears to be a predilection on the part of the brain for glucose. It is a pleasure for the authors to thank Professor C. Lovatt Evans for his kindly interest and encouragement, and we also wish to express our gratitude to Dr. R. A. Gregory and Dr. E. Braun‐Menendez for helpful advice and criticism. We are indebted to the Royal Society for a grant to one of us, A. L. C., towards defraying the expenses of this research. Some of the expenses have also been met out of a grant from the University of London Central Research Fund to Professor C. Lovatt Evans.