Energy Metabolism of the Brain, Including the Cooperation between Astrocytes and Neurons, Especially in the Context of Glycogen Metabolism

Abstract

Glycogen metabolism has important implications for the functioning of the brain, especially the cooperation between astrocytes and neurons. According to various research data, in a glycogen deficiency (for example during hypoglycemia) glycogen supplies are used to generate lactate, which is then transported to neighboring neurons. Likewise, during periods of intense activity of the nervous system, when the energy demand exceeds supply, astrocyte glycogen is immediately converted to lactate, some of which is transported to the neurons. Thus, glycogen from astrocytes functions as a kind of protection against hypoglycemia, ensuring preservation of neuronal function. The neuroprotective effect of lactate during hypoglycemia or cerebral ischemia has been reported in literature. This review goes on to emphasize that while neurons and astrocytes differ in metabolic profile, they interact to form a common metabolic cooperation.

Neuron-Microglia Interactions in Motor Neuron Degeneration. The Inflammatory Hypothesis in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Revisited

“…Glia participation in the neurodegenerative process depends on increased energy consumption [82,83]. Increased energy consumption is also required for neurons to engulf aggregates, repair damage or enter in apoptosis [84][85][86]. In these conditions, glucose transport to CNS is not sufficient to cover demand, and lactate is formed within astrocytes and sent to neurons for its complete oxidation [87,88].…”

Pre- and Neonatal Exposure to Lead (Pb) Induces Neuroinflammation in the Forebrain Cortex, Hippocampus and Cerebellum of Rat Pups

“…Ranked the second most toxic substance on the priority list created by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in 2017 [6], Pb poses a particular risk to the nervous system, especially in early life [7][8][9][10][11]. It is linked to numerous metabolic and structural changes in the developing brain (for detailed review see [12][13][14][15]), resulting in various cognitive disorders [16][17][18][19]. Children exposed to Pb in the early stages of development show a high incidence of many neurodevelopmental diseases, such as hyperactivity, emotional symptoms and conduct disorder [20], attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [21,22], autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [23][24][25][26], and tend to have lower IQs [27,28].…”

Experimental Periodontitis Results in Prediabetes and Metabolic Alterations in Brain, Liver and Heart: Global Untargeted Metabolomic Analyses

“…However, during hypoglycemia, lactate from glycogen metabolism is used as a backup to ensure neuronal function [37]. We observed no significant difference in fasting glucose levels in plasma between control and periodontitis groups.…”