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Metabolic Recruitment in Brain Tissue.
L F Barros1,2, I Ruminot1,2, T Sotelo-Hitschfeld3
1Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Valdivia, Chile;
Annual Review of Physiology
|October 21, 2022
Summary
Active neurons recruit energy from surroundings via metabolic recruitment. Neuronal potassium release signals astrocytes to boost glucose and oxygen supply, supporting brain function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Metabolism
- Neuroenergetics
Background:
- Neurons have high energy demands for information processing.
- Limited energy stores necessitate efficient fuel acquisition.
- Understanding how neurons meet metabolic needs is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain the phenomenon of metabolic recruitment in the brain.
- To identify the signaling mechanisms and cellular players involved in metabolic recruitment.
- To elucidate how neurons sustain their high energy requirements.
Main Methods:
- Discussed the role of potassium (K+) release from active neurons.
- Highlighted astrocyte sensing of K+ via NBCe1 and Na+/K+ ATPase.
- Described the metabolic switch in astrocytes, including Crabtree metabolism and lactate export.
Main Results:
- Neuronal K+ release triggers rapid astrocyte metabolic reprogramming.
- Astrocytes increase glucose uptake (GLUT1) and aerobic glycolysis.
- Lactate export by astrocytes acts as a secondary signal, influencing distant cells.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic recruitment ensures increased availability of glucose, lactate, and oxygen.
- This process complements neurovascular coupling to support neuronal function.
- Metabolic recruitment is essential for the dynamic range of individual neurons.
