Metabolism of Lactic Acid in the Intact Rabbit

¹ From the Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and the Scripps Metabolic Clinic, La Jolla, California

The metabolism of the lactic acid was studied in normal intact rabbits making use of C¹⁴ labeled l (+) lactate. The circulating lactate is being used up and renewed at a rapid rate. The turnover time is about 30 minutes. Eighty to ninety per cent of the lactate is disposed of by direct oxidation. Only a small percentage can be accounted for as glucose, glycogen and by the oxidation of these. Lactate that is produced in emergency states can serve as a quick fuel for vital tissues in these situations.