The Quantitative Autoradiographic 2-Deoxyglucose Technique

A full and detailed description of the theoretical basis and operational details for the use of 2-deoxyglucose in the determination of rates of local cerebral glucose utilization has been published (Sokoloff et a/., 1977). Subsequently, a number of detailed reviews have appeared in which various aspects of this particular methodology have been emphasized (Sokoloff, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981), and these provide the reader with an appreciation of the technical advances made since the original description of the deoxyglucose technique (Sokoloff et ai, 1977). 

In this section, some of the essential features of the deoxyglucose technique are examined to provide some basis for consideration of its limitations and of the errors which may occur when it is employed in neuropharmacology. 

A full description of the operational details in their original and most definitive form has been published (Sokoloff et ai, 1977). They can be summarized briefly. The measurement of local glucose utilization is initiated by the injection, via the venous catheter, of [ C]-2-deoxyglucose (125 pCi/kg). Fourteen timed samples of arterial plasma (approximately 40 ml) are obtained during the succeeding 45 min. The concentrations of 

Total in Tissue C in Precursor Remaining in Tissue of Time, T at Time, T ---------------------------------------------------- 

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