Cerebral pH and lactates in neuropsychiatric disorders

Increased lactate levels have been suggested as a biomarker of metabolic changes during neuronal excitation. These changes in lactate levels can lead to a decrease in brain pH, a trend observed in patients with various neuropsychiatric disorders. Such alterations are observed in mouse models of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism. Here we present data collected by the International Consortium of the Brain pH Project. Researchers studied brain pH and lactate levels in 109 strains/conditions of 2,294 animals. Decreased brain pH and increased lactate levels are thought to be common features observed in many models of depression, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.