ENERGY-METABOLISM OF DEVELOPING BRAIN

Recent publications concerning developmental changes in energy metabolism of brain have concentrated on three areas: 1) substrate priority for energy production; 2) balance between glycolytic and respiratory energy production; 3) variation in energy economy by cell type and stage of cellular differentiation; and 4) regional variation in energy reserves and energy demand. These studies have demonstrated a number of significant differences in the energy metabolism of developing brain. Some of these differences appear to derive from the low energy demands of developing brain, some appear to provide neuroprotective advantages (eg, adaptability in carbon sources, high glycogen stores), and some are of uncertain significance (eg, glycogen accumulation in radial glia).