Abstract: β-hydroxybutyric acid(BHBA) is an important component of ketone bodies in blood. BHBA is utilized as an energy source by the brain particularly in suckling newborns and under starving conditions. Speculate as further signal material adjust energy central and as a biological oxidation substrate adjust feeding. Because BHBA has nerve protective effect, it may be an effective way of treatment of neuron degenerative disease. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize the known central effects of BHBA and to point out the possible cellular pathways triggered in response to BHBA.

Key words: β-hydroxybutyric acid; central nervous system; neuroprotection; signal pathway 