Regional Cerebral Na⁺K⁺ ATPase Activity following Octanoate Administration

Abstract

Summary: Sodium octanoate in an 0.2 M solution was administered to rabbits by continuous slow IV infusion over 4 hr. Controls were given identical infusions of normal saline. The animals were then sacrificed, brains were removed, and specific areas were isolated and assayed for Na⁺K⁺ ATPase activity. Significant inhibition of regional Na⁺K⁺ ATPase activity was detected in cortex, thalamus, hypothalamus, pons, and medulla of rabbits given octanoate when compared to controls.

Speculation: Elevated serum concentrations of short-chain fatty acids may produce coma in patients with Reye's syndrome and hepatic encephalopathy by inhibition of cerebral Na⁺K⁺ ATPase activity with resultant disruption of normal transport across neuronal and glial membranes.