A critical review of brain cholesterol metabolism

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a critical review of brain cholesterol metabolism. Modern aspects of brain sterol metabolism are reviewed by Davison and Kabara. Consequently, for this review, the chapter emphasizes only the more recent concepts of brain cholesterol metabolism. To form a backdrop for the discussion of brain cholesterol metabolism, the anatomical and chemical changes taking place in the central nervous system (CNS) during growth and development are outlined in the chapter. Because sex, nutrition, precursor used, diurnal variation, etc., influence biosynthetic rates as measured, their influence should be considered in any developmental analysis of metabolic capacity within the CNS. Whole brain values obtained in the past from animals injected with a radioactive precursor did not reflect metabolism or changes in metabolism of anatomical areas, individual cells or organelles. Although accurate information is not available, conclusions based on such comparisons lead to statements in the literature which are very difficult to change, even in the face of new and more conclusive data.