During a metabolic burst, which cells primarily utilize glucose?

During a metabolic burst, granulocytes are the primary cells that utilize glucose. This process typically occurs in response to infection or inflammation, when these immune cells activate and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) to help eliminate pathogens. Granulocytes, such as neutrophils, exhibit increased glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway activity, significantly raising their glucose consumption.

This heightened demand for glucose serves multiple purposes: it supplies the necessary energy for metabolic activities associated with the burst, supports biosynthetic processes necessary for the generation of ROS, and contributes to the production of inflammatory mediators.

While erythrocytes also rely on glucose for energy, they primarily focus on anaerobic glycolysis and do not undergo the same type of metabolic burst. Lymphocytes and macrophages depend on glucose as well, but the characteristic surge in glucose uptake and utilization during a metabolic burst is most notably associated with granulocytes due to their role in rapid immune responses. This is why granulocytes are correctly identified as the cells that primarily utilize glucose in such scenarios.