REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF GLYCOGEN, GLUCOSE AND PHOSPHORYLATED SUGARS IN RAT-BRAIN AFTER INTOXICATING DOSES OF ETHANOL

Ethanol and anaesthetics increase glycogen levels in the brain. Howeve r, no data have been reported about the effect of ethanol on glycogen and glucose metabolism in specific brain regions. We have studied the concentrations of glycogen, glucose, glucose 6-P, glucose 1,6-P-2 and fructose 2,6-P-2 and the activities of glycogen synthase, glycogen pho sphorylase and glycogen phosphorylase kinase in seven brain regions of starved rats following treatment with a single dose or several doses of ethanol. Our results show that: (1) the effect of ethanol on glucos e metabolism depends on whether it is given in one single dose or in a series of doses; (2) glycogen concentration increases after a single dose of ethanol but not after long exposure; (3) glucose. glucose 6-P in some areas, and the bisphosphorylated sugar, fructose 2,6-P-2 signi ficantly increase after prolonged exposure to ethanol; and (4) the enz ymatic activities of glycogen metabolism are not modified after a long exposure to ethanol. In summary, these data show that ethanol may mod ify the use of glycogen, glucose and derivatives in brain. Moreover, t he changes produced depend on the pattern of ethanol intake and the br ain area considered.