(December 7, 2011) The
energy requirements of the brain are very high, and tight regulatory mechanisms
operate to ensure adequate spatial and temporal delivery of energy substrates
in register with neuronal activity. Astrocytes—a type of glial cell—have
emerged as active players in brain energy delivery, production, utilization,
and storage. Our understanding of neuroenergetics is rapidly evolving from a
“neurocentric” view to a more integrated picture involving an intense
cooperativity between astrocytes and neurons. This review focuses on the
cellular aspects of brain energy metabolism, with a particular emphasis on the
metabolic interactions between neurons and astrocytes.