AHS22

Ketone bodies, such as R,S-sodium-3-hydroxibutyrate (βHB), serve as alternative fuel for the brain. Primary cortical neuron cultures (Sprague Dawley rat) were exposed to simulated injury to determine whether βHB supplementation can improve neuroregeneration. Scratch assays were performed with 2mM βHB in the culture media and without (control). CYTOSMART system with fluorescence microscopy was used to monitor cell migration, changes in cell density and the process of cell regeneration in the damaged area over 24 hrs. Immunofluorescence reaction was performed to label beta-III-tubulin and synapsin-I. Cells treated with βHB showed more intense migration to the damaged areas, more intense regeneration, compared to control. Markers that are associated with flagellar movement, cytoskeletal functions, axonogenesis and synaptogenesis were denser in βHB treated cells at the regeneration site. These results show that exogenous ketone supplements containing βHB may have the potential for treating injury to the central nervous system, such as traumatic brain injury.