ENERGY-METABOLISM OF DEVELOPING BRAIN

Recent publications concerning developmental changes in energy metabol ism of brain have concentrated on three areas: 1) substrate priority f or energy production; 2) balance between glycolytic and respiratory en ergy production; 3) variation in energy economy by cell type and stage of cellular differentiation; and 4) regional variation in energy rese rves and energy demand. These studies have demonstrated a number of si gnificant differences in the energy metabolism of developing brain. So me of these differences appear to derive from the low energy demands o f developing brain, some appear to provide neuroprotective advantages (eg, adaptability in carbon sources, high glycogen stores), and some a re of uncertain significance (eg, glycogen accumulation in radial glia ).