Recipients

Bacteria in the gut produces a compound, D-lactate, which is normally used up by other bacteria. However, when the gut is injured, the D-lactate passes into the blood causing harmful acidosis. This type of acidosis has been linked to nervous system problems that result in confusion and inappropriate behaviour. D-lactic acidosis arises in conditions such as diarrhea, short bowel syndrome, and diabetes.

Dr. Binbing (Erica) Ling is building on the research of her supervisor, Dr. Gordon Zello, who found that high levels of D-lactate were present in the blood of calves with diarrhea. Experiments from his laboratory have also shown that giving D-lactic acid to the calves resulted in acid entering the brain. It is thought that the D-lactate may be interfering with another molecule, L-lactate, which is naturally made by the body and plays an important role in brain functions.

Dr. Ling is infusing young rats with D-lactate and then examining the brain tissue. The results will be compared to the symptoms recorded in the earlier calf model. With this knowledge, she hopes to shed light on strategies to prevent and treat neurological disorders caused by D-lactic acidosis.

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