Abstract
IN brain, as in other organs, phosphates form an important link between function and the metabolism which supports function1. The levels of inorganic and esterified phosphates in brain in vivo have been examined previously; but there is little information on the levels of phosphates during in vitro metabolism2, possibly because of the reports of rapid postmortem changes in these constituents3. We have, however, found that during metabolism in vitro the concentration of inorganic phosphate and of phosphocreatine can be restored to stable levels, which depend on metabolic conditions and which can approximate closely to those normal to the brain in vivo. Determinations of both phosphates and creatine have been made, following separations by calcium salts and alcohol4. Inorganic phosphate has been determined according to Lowry and Lopez5. The sum of inorganic phosphate, and phosphates with the lability of creatine phosphate, has been determined by the method of Fiske and SubbaRow6.
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References
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Johnson, M. J., Science, 94, 200 (1941). Lipmann, F., “Symposium on Respiratory Enzymes” (Univ. Wisconsin Press, 1942).
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BUCHEL, L., McILWAIN, H. Narcotics and the Phosphates of Brain. Nature 166, 269–270 (1950). https://doi.org/10.1038/166269b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/166269b0
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