Influence of gamma-hydroxybutyrate on the relationship between local cerebral glucose utilization and local cerebral blood flow in the rat brain.

The relationship between local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) and local CBF (LCBF) was examined during the action of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) (900 mg/kg i.v.) in conscious rats. GHB induced discrepant effects on blood flow and metabolism. LCGU was markedly depressed in all structures examined, whereas LCBF was differently affected in that no related changes were observed. Global glucose utilization was markedly depressed (-51%), whereas global blood flow was not significantly altered. The marked dissociation between the changes in global glucose utilization and global blood flow induced by GHB is reflected only to a minor degree in the local values inasmuch as the correlation between LCGU and LCBF was only slightly weakened and its heterogeneity was increased.