Circulatory and metabolic aspects of cerebral ischemia in experimental animals and in men.

In normal conditions, there is a precise link between regional metabolism and blood flow in the brain. In pathological states there may be an uncoupling between CBF and metabolism, due to many mechanisms. In particular, anaerobic glycolisis, membrane depolarization, and altered neurotransmitter release are relevant for the final damage of the tissue. Postischemic recovery was analyzed in experiments with 14C-deoxyglucose. In men, the noninvasive approach with 15O by inhalation allowed the determination of regional oxygen utilization. In TIAs, there is a chronic ischemic condition, while in strokes there is often a relative luxury perfusion.