Inhibition of glycolysis alters potassium ion transport and mitochondrial redox activity in rat brain.

To examine the relationships between brain glycolysis, ion transport, and mitochondrial reduction/oxidation (redox) activity, extracellular potassium ion activity (K+0) and redox shifts of cytochrome oxidase (cytochrome a,a3) were recorded previous to and during superfusion of rat cerebral cortex with the glycolytic inhibitor iodoacetic acid (IAA). IAA produced oxidation of cytochrome a,a3, increased local oxygenation, increased K+0, and, in response to neuronal activation, slowed rates of K+0 reaccumulation. Rates of rereduction of cytochrome a,a3, after the oxidation of this cytochrome by stimulation, were also slowed by IAA. These effects of IAA demonstrate the dependence of K+0 reaccumulation on the integrity of glycolysis, support the concept that active processes are involved in brain ion transport, and suggest a link between ATP supplied by glycolysis and ion transport activity. These data are also compatible with the suggestion that residual dysfunctions after brain ischemia result from derangements in glycolytic functioning rather than from limitations in oxygen availability or oxidative metabolic activity.