Brain energy metabolites in mice after an acute exposure to carbon monoxide.

Brain energy metabolites were determined in mice over 8 days after an acute exposure to carbon monoxide (CO). The exposure of 0.5% CO for 15 min caused 33% mortality. Survived mice recovered completely within 30 min in room air. Lactate increased markedly immediately after the exposure, while glucose increased 30 min later. Four hours, 1 day, 4 days and 8 days after the exposure, the levels of brain energy metabolites including phosphocreatine and ATP did not differ from those of the control. Thus, energy metabolism in the whole brain in mice appears not to be impaired after they survive an acute CO intoxication.