Author/Editor		Prebil, Mateja; Jensen, Jorgen; Zorec, Robert; Kreft, Marko
Title		Astrocytes and energy metabolism
Type		članek
Source		Arch Physiol Biochem
Vol. and No.		Letnik 117, št. 2
Publication year		2011
Volume		str. 64-9
Language		eng
Abstract		Astrocytes are glial cells, which play a significant role in a number of processes, including the brain energy metabolism. Their anatomical position between blood vessels and neurons make them an interface for effective glucose uptake from blood. After entering astrocytes, glucose can be involved in different metabolic pathways, e.g. in glycogen production. Glycogen in the brain is localized mainly in astrocytes and is an important energy source in hypoxic conditions and normal brain functioning. The portion of glucose metabolized into glycogen molecules in astrocytes is as high as 40%. It is thought that the release of gliotransmitters (such as glutamate, neuroactive peptides and ATP) into the extracellular space by regulated exocytosis supports a significant part of communication between astrocytes and neurons. On the other hand, neurotransmitter action on astrocytes has a significant role in brain energy metabolism. Therefore, understanding the astrocytes energy metabolism may help understanding neuron-astrocyte interactions.
Descriptors		ASTROCYTES BRAIN ENERGY METABOLISM GLUCOSE GLYCOGEN CEREBRAL ANOXIA LACTATES GLUTAMATES EXOCYTOSIS