Hypothalamic digoxin, cerebral dominance, and mitochondrial function/free radical metabolism

The present study assessed the biochemical differences of free radical metabolism and mitochondrial function between right hemispheric dominant and left hemispheric dominant individuals. The following parameters were measured: (1) plasma HMG CoA reductase activity, (2) isoprenoid metabolites-digoxin and ubiquinone, (3) plasma magnesium and RBC membrane Na+-K+ ATPase activity, (4) lipid peroxidation products-malondialdehyde, hydroperoxides and conjugated dienes, and NO, (5) reduced glutathione, and (6) activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, GSH peroxidase, and GSH reductase. The results showed that right hemispheric dominant individuals had (i) increased plasma HMG CoA reductase activity and elevated digoxin levels, (ii) decreased plasma magnesium and RBC membrane Na+-K+ ATPase activity, (iii) reduced ubiquinone levels, (iv) with increased levels of lipid peroxidation products and NO, (v) decreased levels of reduced glutathione and free radical scavenging enzymes, and (vi) increased tryptophan and reduced tyrosine levels. Left hemispheric dominant individuals had the opposite patterns. Right hemispheric dominance represents a, hyperdigoxinemic state with membrane sodium-potassium ATPase inhibition and increased lipid peroxidation. Left hemispheric dominance represents the reverse pattern with hypodigoxinemic/membrane sodium-potassium ATPase stimulation and decreased lipid peroxidation. Cerebral dominance can regulate mitochondrial function and free radical metabolism.