Not only ketone bodies: on neuroprotective effects of energy substrates

In the previous post On the mechanisms of brain protection by ketones, it was described how a shortage of ketones caused pathological changes in brain cells resulting in abnormal behavior of GABA, the principal brain chemical helping to resist hyperactivity. In the second article, the authors showed that not only ketone bodies, but also other energy carriers such as lactate and pyruvate (or their shortages) can make all the difference between smoothly functioning brain networks and pathologically overly excited ones.

"We suggest that metabolic deficits induce changes in intrinsic neuronal properties resulting in hyperactivity in single neurons and aberrant neuronal network behavior. This hyperactivity in turn increases neuronal energy demands, which cannot be met due to metabolic pathologies and a vicious cycle occurs. Our hypothesis predicts that the adequate delivery of energy substrates may interrupt this pathological spiral of events and provide therapeutic options targeting the cause of pathologies rather than their symptoms" concluded the authors.

Source:

Holmgren CD, Mukhtarov M, Malkov AE, Popova IY, Bregestovski P, Zilberter Y.. Energy substrate availability as a determinant of neuronal resting potential, GABA signaling and spontaneous network activity in the neonatal cortex in vitro. J Neurochem. 2009 Nov 24.