title: Cerebral ketone metabolism during development and injury.
abstract: Cerebral metabolism of ketones is a normal part of the process of brain development. While the mature brain relies on glucose as a primary fuel source, metabolism of ketone bodies remains an alternative energy source under conditions of starvation. The neuroprotective properties of brain ketone metabolism make this alternative substrate a viable therapeutic option for various pathologies. Since the ability to revert to utilizing ketones as an alternative substrate is greatest in the younger post-weaned brain, this particular therapeutic approach remains an untapped resource particularly for pediatric pathological conditions.
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, UCLA Brain Injury Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7039, USA. mprins@mednet.ucla.edu
authors: Mayumi L
authors: ML
authors: Prins
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007657:Ketone Bodies / Q000378:metabolism*; D007659:Ketones / Q000378:metabolism*; D013217:Starvation / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D007657:Ketone Bodies; D007659:Ketones