Local cerebral glucose utilization in thermally traumatized rat brain

Local cerebal glucose utilization (LCGU) Was studied using the 14 C‐deoxyglucose method in rats with focal thermally induced lesions in the left parietal cortex. A depression of LCGU developed with time after production of the lesion, being most prominent throughout the cortical areas of the lesioned hemisphere: 42 ± 2% (SE) of normal 3 days after the lesion, was induced. Corresponding results in other regions were: contralateral cortical areas, 86 ± 2%; ipsilateral and contralateral subcortical structures, 74 ± 2% and 84 ± 1%, respectively. Brainstem structures were not affected. In white matter, bilateral depression LCGU reached its peak 24 hours after production of the lesion—the reduction ipsilateral to the lesion was 61 ± 4% of normal and the contralateral reduction was 64 ± 4%. LCGU returned to normal within 5 days in all affected areas. No corresponding change in local cerebral blood flow were observed. These results suggest a widespread depression in the functional state of the traumatized brain.