Carbohydrate and energy metabolism in the brain of rats with thromboxane A2-induced fetal growth restriction

Pediatr Res. 2011 Jul;70(1):21-4. doi: 10.1203/PDR.0b013e31821b9d7c.

Abstract

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) remains a cause of perinatal brain injury, sometimes leading to neurological and intellectual impairment. Although the mechanisms and pathophysiology of CNS injuries have not been elucidated completely, it is possible carbohydrate and energy metabolism may have an important role in the FGR brain. In this study, FGR was induced in rats by administration of synthetic thromboxane A2 (STA2). Pups were delivered by cesarean section. After killing, samples were obtained from the fetuses of both control and FGR rats for evaluation of carbohydrate and energy metabolism in brain tissue. Lactate and pyruvate levels in brain were reduced significantly in the FGR group. Glucose content in brain tissue tended to be increased in the FGR group. In contrast, glycogen content in brain tissue tended to be lower in the FGR group. However, these differences in glucose and glycogen content did not reach statistical significance. Brain high-energy reserves, including ATP, ADP, AMP, and phosphocreatine (P-Cr), were similar in the control and FGR groups. Gluconeogenesis compensated for chronic fetal hypoxia and decreased glycogen storage. Energy metabolism in the FGR brain is likely to be disrupted as a consequence of lower reserves of energy substrates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Brain / pathology
  • Carbohydrate Metabolism*
  • Cesarean Section
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Energy Metabolism*
  • Female
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / chemically induced
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / metabolism*
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / pathology
  • Fetal Hypoxia / chemically induced
  • Fetal Hypoxia / metabolism*
  • Fetal Hypoxia / pathology
  • Fetal Weight
  • Gestational Age
  • Gluconeogenesis
  • Organ Size
  • Placental Circulation
  • Pregnancy
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Thromboxane A2*

Substances

  • Thromboxane A2