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Updated: May 22, 2026

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes
Published on: October 4, 2018
The role of astrocytic glycogen in supporting the energetics of neuronal activity
Mauro Dinuzzo1, Silvia Mangia, Bruno Maraviglia
1MARBILab, Museo storico della fisica e Centro di studi e ricerche "Enrico Fermi", Rome, Italy. mauro.dinuzzo@roma1.infn.it
Abstract:
Energy homeostasis in the brain is maintained by oxidative metabolism of glucose, primarily to fulfil the energy demand associated with ionic movements in neurons and astrocytes. In this contribution we review the experimental evidence that grounds a specific role of glycogen metabolism in supporting the functional energetic needs of astrocytes during the removal of extracellular potassium. Based on theoretical considerations, we further discuss the hypothesis that the mobilization of glycogen in astrocytes serves the purpose to enhance the availability of glucose for neuronal glycolytic and oxidative metabolism at the onset of stimulation. Finally, we provide an evolutionary perspective for explaining the selection of glycogen as carbohydrate reserve in the energy-sensing machinery of cell metabolism.
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