Carrier transport of glucose between blood and cerebrospinal fluid

¹ Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, Neurological Clinical Research Center, Neurological Institute, Presbyterian Hospital, and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City

The transfer of glucose, 2-deoxy-d-glucose, and fructose between blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of anesthetized dogs was studied, following either intravenous injection or intracisternal administration in artificial CSF. Glucose entry was not directly proportional to the concentration difference between blood and CSF. The CSF glucose concentration approached a maximum, despite increasing intravenous loads, suggesting saturation kinetics. Bidirectional molecular stereospecificity was demonstrated; the three hexoses enter and exit from CSF at increasing rates, fructose < glucose < 2-deoxyglucose. The slow entry of fructose is attributed to simple diffusion. The more rapid transfer of 2-deoxyglucose than of glucose suggests greater "affinity" of the former for the carrier. Bidirectional competitive inhibition between glucose and 2-deoxyglucose was demonstrated. Bidirectional countertransport ("uphill transport by counter flow") of glucose between the two compartments was shown. Glucose transfer into CSF was not affected by intravenous 30% urea. The data support the existence of a carrier transport system for glucose in membranes separating the two compartments.

Note:
With the Technical Assistance of Anita L. Jenkins and Roberta A. Hamilton

Key Words: blood-brain barrier • 2-deoxyglucose • fructose • glucose neurochemistry • cerebral metabolism • choroid plexus

Submitted on October 10, 1963

This article has been cited by other articles:

				B. R. Brooks, W. K. Engel, and J. Sode Blood-to-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier For Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate in Man Arch Neurol, August 1, 1977; 34(8): 468 - 469. [Abstract] [PDF]

				C. G. Wasterlain and T. E. Duffy Status Epilepticus in Immature Rats: Protective Effects of Glucose on Survival and Brain Development Arch Neurol, December 1, 1976; 33(12): 821 - 827. [Abstract] [PDF]

				J Elbrink and I Bihler Membrane transport: its relation to cellular metabolic rates Science, June 20, 1975; 188(4194): 1177 - 1184. [PDF]

				F. W. Gamache Jr. and R. E. Myers Effects of Hypotension on Rhesus Monkeys Arch Neurol, June 1, 1975; 32(6): 374 - 380. [Abstract] [PDF]

				S. K. Juhn and J. N. Youngs Changes in Perilymph Glucose Concentration: Occurrence in Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, December 1, 1972; 96(6): 556 - 558. [Abstract] [PDF]

				R. W. P. Cutler and A. V. Lorenzo Transport of 1-Aminocyclopentanecarboxylic Acid from Feline Cerebrospinal Fluid Science, September 27, 1968; 161(3848): 1363 - 1363. [Abstract] [PDF]