Decreased Cerebral Glucose Utilization in Rats during the Ebb Phase of Thermal Injury

Abstract

These data indicate that thermal injury decreases glucose utilization (Rg) in rat brain during the hypometabolic phase. This effect can be explained, at least in part, by alterations in hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphatase activities, as well as reductions in oxygen consumption. Thus, the changes in brain glucose utilization (Rg) appear to be associated with the ebb phase of the thermal injury. The present results observed in burned rats may provide evidence to explain the encephalopathy observed in burned patients.