Aerobic Glycolysis and Its Role in Maintenance of High O 2 Tensions in the Teleost Retina 1

Summary

Lactic acid production in the presence of high oxygen tensions (aerobic glycolysis) was found to occur in the teleost retina. Forty-two percent more glucose was utilized and 33% more lactic acid was produced under anaerobic than under aerobic conditions. Glycolysis was inhibited 33% by elevated oxygen (Pasteur effect), and it was further demonstrated that glycolysis is dependent upon the integrity of the retinal cells, being almost completely abolished by cellular disruption.

The shift in the oxygen dissociation curve to the right by acid metabolites causes release of oxygen from hemoglobin in the choroid region. This O₂ release explains in part the high PO₂ encountered in the vicinity of the retina. The Pasteur effect may function as a possible component of a negative feedback control loop for the generation of high PO₂ in trout eyes.