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nokia8650
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Can lactate be respired, or must it first be converted to glucose?
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Is Lactate Respiration Possible?
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In summary: So in summary, there are multiple pathways involved in the respiration of lactate, including gluconeogenesis and the lactate shuttle. The exact mechanism of how lactate is respired is still being studied and there may be additional pathways involved.
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You're asking whether milk can be inhaled?
- #3
Moonbear
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Greg Bernhardt said:
No. I suspect s/he's asking about the biochemical pathway of respiration starting with the compound lactate.I'd answer it, but I'd have to first wake up enough to remember those pathways, or move my butt over to where the books are that might contain that information, and I don't think either is happening tonight. I'm sure someone who can rattle off biochemical pathways in their sleep will be along before I get back to this, but if there's no reply by tomorrow, I'll return to help.
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Moonbear
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Hmm...I thought I'd do a quick lookup in my old biochem text and give you an answer, but I'm not sure. Yes, there is a respiratory pathway that works via gluconeogenesis starting from lactate, but there's a paragraph commenting on lactate and "new research" which would now be almost 20 years old (it's an old text) that sounds like there could be some other direct pathway, but I have never had an interest in continuing to follow that literature to help with whether something would have been updated on that or not. So, unfortunately, I'm unable to answer this question and will have to defer to someone with more current knowledge in that topic.
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Mike H
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The OP may want to look into something called the "lactate shuttle" that has been getting a fair bit of play in the exercise science and physiology crowds. I haven't looked into it beyond the occasional press release, but it appears to be a pathway which functions alongside the gluconeogenesis pathway but distinct from it. Apparently some of the lactate does get oxidized further with this process.
FAQ: Is Lactate Respiration Possible?
What is lactate and how is it produced?
Lactate, also known as lactic acid, is a molecule that is produced during anaerobic respiration, when the body breaks down glucose for energy without the use of oxygen. It is produced in large amounts by muscle cells during intense exercise or when there is not enough oxygen available for the body to use.
Can lactate be respired for energy?
Yes, lactate can be respired by the body for energy. Lactate is converted back into pyruvate, which can then enter the mitochondria and be used in aerobic respiration to produce ATP, the main source of energy for the body.
How is lactate respired?
Lactate is respired through a process called the Cori cycle. In this cycle, lactate is transported from the muscles to the liver, where it is converted back into pyruvate. The pyruvate then enters the mitochondria of liver cells and undergoes aerobic respiration to produce ATP.
Is lactate production and respiration only related to exercise?
No, lactate production and respiration can occur in various situations. While it is most commonly associated with intense exercise, it can also occur during other activities that require a lot of energy, such as during a fight or flight response, or in individuals with certain medical conditions.
What are the potential benefits of lactate respiration?
One potential benefit of lactate respiration is that it allows the body to continue producing energy even when oxygen is not readily available, such as during intense exercise. It also helps to remove excess lactate from the muscles, preventing muscle fatigue and soreness. Additionally, lactate respiration can provide a source of energy for the brain and other organs when glucose levels are low.