The Role of Astrocytes in Neurotransmitter Uptake and Brain Metabolism

Abstract

Termination of synaptic transmission relies on neurotransmitter diffusion and removal from the extracellular space by specific molecules called transporters, abundantly expressed in astrocytes. Here we describe the biophysical mechanisms of neurotransmitter transport across the astrocyte membrane and the biochemical pathways that supply energy to these cells. These findings indicate that astrocytes are crucial regulators of brain activity, due to their ability to shape synaptic transmission and control the energy budget of the entire brain.