Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2006; 114 - P09_112
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-932997

The selfish brain: energy shift during hypoglycemia

KM Oltmanns 1, UH Melchert 2, HG Scholand-Engler 2, C Guenther 3, B Schultes 3, D Petersen 2, U Schweiger 1, J Born 4, HL Fehm 3, A Peters 3
  • 1Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
  • 2Neuroradiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
  • 3Internal Medicine I, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
  • 4Neuroendocrinology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany

Objectives: The capacity of the brain to store energy is rather limited, wherefore the energy content in form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is regulated in extremely narrow confines. Based on a new paradigm for the regulation of energy allocation within the organism ('selfish brain'), we hypothesized that during energy restriction, the brain prioritizes adjustment of its own ATP concentration at the expense of peripheral organs

Methods: In vivo 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy in brain and skeletal muscle was performed at baseline and during insulin-induced hypoglycaemia in 17 healthy men. Our main parameters were the key metabolites of energy metabolism which are ATP and phosphocreatine (PCr) as rapidly available energy store.

Results: During hypoglycemia, PCr and total ATP content increased in the brain as compared to skeletal muscle (P<0.05 for both). These results were reflected by PCr/Pi ratios (P=0.04).

Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that hypoglycemia induces a shift of high energy phosphates towards the brain at the expense of skeletal muscle. This finding is in line with the recently presented 'selfish brain' paradigm for the regulation of glucose allocation within the organism.