• The Cori cycle is a metabolic pathway involving the interconversion of
glucose and lactate between the muscles and the liver.
• The Cori cycle is called lactic acid shuttle or lactic acid cycle
• Steps of Cori Cycle
• This metabolic pathway requires three different types of human cells;
liver, blood, and muscle or other high energy-requiring cells. This cycle
is vital for maintaining glucose levels during high energy demand
periods like intense exercise.
• Lactate production: Glycogen stored in the muscle cells converts to glucose via glycogenolysis. During high
energy demand, especially in muscle cells, the pyruvate produced after glycolysis of glucose follows the
anaerobic pathway to produce lactic acid or lactate. The anaerobic fate of pyruvate occurs due to a lack of
oxygen in these cells. So, this cycle is also termed anaerobic glycolysis for lactic acid production. Here, the
conversion of glucose to pyruvate produces two ATP molecules.
• Transport of lactate to the liver: The lactate produced cannot be utilized by muscle cells. Liver cells can only
use lactate. So it is transported to liver cells via the bloodstream.
• Gluconeogenesis: Gluconeogenesis is a metabolic pathway that helps produce glucose from non-
carbohydrate compounds in the liver cells. During the lactate cycle, lactic acid converts into glucose. It is a
complex procedure requiring multiple enzymes. It requires six ATP molecules.
• Release of glucose in the blood: The newly formed glucose is released into the bloodstream. This release
helps maintain the blood glucose level during high-intensity exercise periods. Glucose is a fuel source for
tissues, including the brain, RBCs, and muscles.
• Glucose uptake by muscles and other tissues: The glucose in the bloodstream is uptaken by cells like
muscles, the brain, and other tissues. Here the glucose converts into pyruvate by glycolysis, which follows
the aerobic fate to produce carbon dioxide. The CO2 is then released outside the body via the lungs.
The energy calculation during the Cori cycle is as follows:
• Glucose/Glycogen → Pyruvate; produces 2 ATP molecules
• Lactate → Glucose; requires 6 ATP molecules
• So, a total of 4 ATP molecules is used in this cycle.
glycogenesis
• The foods we eat are turned into glucose and released as energy to be
able to use by the body. The molecule of glucose that is stored in the
important organs of the body is called glycogen.
• t is stored in various parts of the body such as the kidneys, liver, brain,
and muscles. It is only released if the glucose in the blood is used up
for all physical activities. Once the body runs out of glucose supply,
additional energy is immediately released in the form of glycogen
• It is a process by which glycogen is formed from glucose
