Feeding hungry neurons: astrocytes deliver food for thought.
Among the proposed roles for astrocytes in the CNS is nutritive support for neurons. In this issue of Neuron, Voutsinos-Porche et al. provide evidence that astrocyte uptake of synaptic glutamate triggers astrocytic glycolysis and release of lactate, which in turn nourishes neurons and sustains neuronal activity.
Meeks
Julian P
JP
Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Mennerick
Steven
S
D001253:Astrocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006019:Glycolysis / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology
D019344:Lactic Acid