Figure 6

A conception of the astroglial-neuronal interaction with respect to cerebral energy metabolism. The astrocytes are in key position between the capillaries and neurons. They adapt to the metabolic substrates presently available and are flexible in conditions of metabolic stress, as they have both aerobic and anaerobic pathways. Much of the ATP generated is consumed within the astrocytes themselves. However, energy can also be stored within the astrocytes as glycogen, and metabolic substrates are likely exported to neurons. The astroglial energy metabolism is affected by drugs and/or neurotransmitters acting on surface receptors or (in the case of Glu) being oxidatively degraded. The pathways are presented in an oversimplified manner, and for graphical clarity several processes have been excluded, such as the malate-aspartate shuttle and the glycogen-pyruvate pathway.

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published 2000