Abstract
A survey of the information available on the biochemical differences between anoxia-sensitive brains of mammals and anoxia-tolerant brains of aquatic turtles reveals that the latter maintain membrane ion gradients, ATP concentrations, and, to a limited extent, electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, while metabolic rate is depressed during prolonged anoxia. In contrast, mammalian brains are unable to maintain ATP concentrations, ion gradients, and EEG activity during ischemia or anoxia despite a dramatic (albeit transient) Pasteur effect. This evidence indicates that rates of ATP utilization decrease during anoxia in anoxia-tolerant brains, while they are maintained (and not matched by glycolytic ATP production) in anoxia-sensitive brains. The implications with respect to possible mechanisms of "metabolic arrest" and the evolution of anoxia tolerance in vertebrate brains are discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
