Organ fuel selection: brain.
The brain's first choice for a metabolic fuel is glucose. In times of glucose lack, the brain can metabolize ketone bodies and lactate if they are available and by maintaining its metabolism, apparently, it also maintains its function. Brain metabolism of amino acid appears to be dictated by plasma levels, but the possibility that amino acids can support cerebral function during hypoglycaemia has not yet been investigated.
Amiel
S A
SA
UMDS, Guy's Hospital, London.
D000596:Amino Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007659:Ketones / Q000378:metabolism; D007773:Lactates / Q000378:metabolism
D000596:Amino Acids; D007659:Ketones; D007773:Lactates; D005947:Glucose