Lactate-Mediated Signaling in the Brain-An Update
Barbara Vaccari-Cardoso1, Maria Antipina2, Anja G Teschemacher1
1School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.
Brain Sciences
|January 21, 2023
Summary
Lactate, a key metabolite, plays a complex role in the brain. Current research explores its functions beyond energy, but a consensus on its physiological relevance remains elusive.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolism
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Lactate is a universal metabolite traditionally viewed as an energy substrate.
- In the brain, lactate's role between astrocytes and neurons has been debated.
- Recent discoveries include lactate receptors and modulation of NMDA receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on lactate's role in the brain.
- To identify and discuss unresolved controversies.
- To highlight limitations in current research methods.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of recently published studies.
- Focus on experimental methodologies and findings.
- Cross-referencing and comparison of different research approaches.
Main Results:
- The precise physiological relevance of lactate in brain function is still debated.
- Multiple proposed mechanisms for lactate's action exist, but lack consensus.
- Current research faces limitations in methodology and standardization.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to elucidate lactate's exact role in the brain.
- Standardized and overlapping methodologies are crucial for progress.
- Collaborative efforts may accelerate understanding of this ubiquitous molecule's importance.
Related Concept Videos
01:03Long-term Depression
2.6K
Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over...
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over...
2.6K
01:25Long-term Potentiation
2.9K
Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when...
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when...
2.9K
01:30Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
2.4K
Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
2.4K