First direct demonstration of preferential release of citrate from astrocytes using [13C]NMR spectroscopy of cultured neurons and astrocytes

A tribute to Arne Schousboe's contributions to neurochemistry and his innovative and enduring research in GABA, glutamate, and brain energy metabolism

This is a tribute to Arne Schousboe, Professor Emeritus at the University of Copenhagen, an eminent neurochemist and neuroscientist who was a leader in the fields of GABA, glutamate, and brain energy metabolism. Arne was known for his keen intellect, his wide-ranging expertise in neurochemistry and neuropharmacology of GABA and glutamate and brain energy metabolism. Arne was also known for his strong leadership, his warm and engaging personality and his enjoyment of fine wine and great food shared with friends, family, and colleagues. Sadly, Arne passed away on February 27, 2024, after a short illness. He is survived by his wife Inger Schousboe, his two children, and three wonderful grandchildren. His death is a tremendous loss to the neuroscience community. He will be greatly missed by his friends, family, and colleagues. Some of the highlights of Arne's career are described in this tribute.

The history of Danish neuroscience

The history of Danish neuroscience starts with an account of impressive contributions made at the 17th century. Thomas Bartholin was the first Danish neuroscientist, and his disciple Nicolaus Steno became internationally one of the most prominent neuroscientists in this period. From the start, Danish neuroscience was linked to clinical disciplines. This continued in the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries with new initiatives linking basic neuroscience to clinical neurology and psychiatry in the same scientific environment. Subsequently, from the middle of the 20th century, basic neuroscience was developing rapidly within the preclinical university sector. Clinical neuroscience continued and was even reinforced during this period with important translational research and a close co-operation between basic and clinical neuroscience. To distinguish 'history' from 'present time' is not easy, as many historical events continue in present time. Therefore, we decided to consider 'History' as new major scientific developments in Denmark, which were launched before the end of the 20th century. With this aim, scientists mentioned will have been born, with a few exceptions, no later than the early 1960s. However, we often refer to more recent publications in documenting the developments of initiatives launched before the end of the last century. In addition, several scientists have moved to Denmark after the beginning of the present century, and they certainly are contributing to the present status of Danish neuroscience-but, again, this is not the History of Danish neuroscience.

Adrenergic regulation of astroglial aerobic glycolysis and lipid metabolism: Towards a noradrenergic hypothesis of neurodegeneration

Ageing is a key factor in the development of cognitive decline and dementia, an increasing and challenging problem of the modern world. The most commonly diagnosed cognitive decline is related to Alzheimer's disease (AD), the pathophysiology of which is poorly understood. Several hypotheses have been proposed. The cholinergic hypothesis is the oldest, however, recently the noradrenergic system has been considered to have a role as well. The aim of this review is to provide evidence that supports the view that an impaired noradrenergic system is causally linked to AD. Although dementia is associated with neurodegeneration and loss of neurons, this likely develops due to a primary failure of homeostatic cells, astrocytes, abundant and heterogeneous neuroglial cells in the central nervous system (CNS). The many functions that astrocytes provide to maintain the viability of neural networks include the control of ionic balance, neurotransmitter turnover, synaptic connectivity and energy balance. This latter function is regulated by noradrenaline, released from the axon varicosities of neurons arising from the locus coeruleus (LC), the primary site of noradrenaline release in the CNS. The demise of the LC is linked to AD, whereby a hypometabolic CNS state is observed clinically. This is likely due to impaired release of noradrenaline in the AD brain during states of arousal, attention and awareness. These functions controlled by the LC are needed for learning and memory formation and require activation of the energy metabolism. In this review, we address first the process of neurodegeneration and cognitive decline, highlighting the function of astrocytes. Cholinergic and/or noradrenergic deficits lead to impaired astroglial function. Then, we focus on adrenergic control of astroglial aerobic glycolysis and lipid droplet metabolism, which play a protective role but also promote neurodegeneration under some circumstances, supporting the noradrenergic hypothesis of cognitive decline. We conclude that targeting astroglial metabolism, glycolysis and/or mitochondrial processes may lead to important new developments in the future when searching for medicines to prevent or even halt cognitive decline.

SLC13A5 Deficiency Disorder: From Genetics to Gene Therapy

Epileptic encephalopathies may arise from single gene variants. In recent years, next-generation sequencing technologies have enabled an explosion of gene identification in monogenic epilepsies. One such example is the epileptic encephalopathy SLC13A5 deficiency disorder, which is caused by loss of function pathogenic variants to the gene SLC13A5 that results in deficiency of the sodium/citrate cotransporter. Patients typically experience seizure onset within the first week of life and have developmental delay and intellectual disability. Current antiseizure medications may reduce seizure frequency, yet more targeted treatments are needed to address the epileptic and non-epileptic features of SLC13A5 deficiency disorder. Gene therapy may offer hope to these patients and better clinical outcomes than current available treatments. Here, we discuss SLC13A5 genetics, natural history, available treatments, potential outcomes and assessments, and considerations for translational medical research for an AAV9-based gene replacement therapy.

H-ferritin expression in astrocytes is necessary for proper oligodendrocyte development and myelination

How iron is delivered to the CNS for myelination is poorly understood. Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cells in the brain and are the only cells in close contact with blood vessels. Therefore, they are strategically located to obtain nutrients, such as iron, from circulating blood. To determine the importance of astrocyte iron uptake and storage in myelination and remyelination, we conditionally knocked-out the expression of the divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), the transferrin receptor 1 (Tfr1), and the ferritin heavy subunit (Fth) in Glast-1-positive astrocytes. DMT1 or Tfr1 ablation in astrocytes throughout early brain development did not significantly affects oligodendrocyte maturation or iron homeostasis. However, blocking Fth production in astrocytes during the first postnatal week drastically delayed oligodendrocyte development and myelin synthesis. Fth knockout animals presented an important decrease in the number of myelinating oligodendrocytes and a substantial reduction in the percentage of myelinated axons. This postnatal hypomyelination was accompanied by a decline in oligodendrocyte iron uptake and with an increase in brain oxidative stress. We also tested the relevance of astrocytic Fth expression in the cuprizone model of myelin damage and repair. Fth deletion in Glast1-positive astrocytes significantly reduced myelin production and the density of mature myelinating oligodendrocytes throughout the complete remyelination process. These results indicate that Fth iron storage in astrocytes is vital for early oligodendrocyte development as well as for the remyelination of the CNS.

Disruption of the sodium-dependent citrate transporter SLC13A5 in mice causes alterations in brain citrate levels and neuronal network excitability in the hippocampus

In addition to tissues such as liver, the plasma membrane sodium-dependent citrate transporter, NaCT (SLC13A5), is highly expressed in brain neurons, but its function is not understood. Loss-of-function mutations in the human SLC13A5 gene have been associated with severe neonatal encephalopathy and pharmacoresistant seizures. The molecular mechanisms of these neurological alterations are not clear. We performed a detailed examination of a Slc13a5 deletion mouse model including video-EEG monitoring, behavioral tests, and electrophysiologic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses of brain and cerebrospinal fluid. The experiments revealed an increased propensity for epileptic seizures, proepileptogenic neuronal excitability changes in the hippocampus, and significant citrate alterations in the CSF and brain tissue of Slc13a5 deficient mice, which may underlie the neurological abnormalities. These data demonstrate that SLC13A5 is involved in brain citrate regulation and suggest that abnormalities in this regulation can induce seizures. The present study is the first to (i) establish the Slc13a5-knockout mouse model as a helpful tool to study the neuronal functions of NaCT and characterize the molecular mechanisms by which functional deficiency of this citrate transporter causes epilepsy and impairs neuronal function; (ii) evaluate all hypotheses that have previously been suggested on theoretical grounds to explain the neurological phenotype of SLC13A5 mutations; and (iii) indicate that alterations in brain citrate levels result in neuronal network excitability and increased seizure propensity.

The Appearance of the Warburg Effect in the Developing Avian Eye Characterized In Ovo: How Neurogenesis Can Remodel Neuroenergetics

Purpose

The avian eye is an established model for exploring mechanisms that coordinate morphogenesis and metabolism during embryonic development. Less is known, however, about trafficking of bioenergetic and metabolic signaling molecules that are involved in retinal neurogenesis.

Methods

Here we tested whether the known 3-day delayed neurogenesis occurring in the pigeon compared with the chick was associated with a deferred reshaping of eye metabolism in vivo. Developmental metabolic remodeling was explored using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the whole eye and vitreous body, in ovo, in parallel with biochemical and molecular analyses of retinal, vitreous, and lens extracts from bird embryos.

Results

Cross-species comparisons enabled us to show that a major glycolytic switch in the retina is related to neurogenesis rather than to eye growth. We further show that the temporal emergence of an interlocking regulatory cascade controlling retinal oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis results in the exchange of lactate and citrate between the retina and vitreous.

Conclusions

Our results point to the vitreous as a reservoir and buffer of energy metabolites that provides trophic support to oxidative neurons, such as retinal ganglion cells, in early development. Through its control of key glycolytic regulatory enzymes, citrate, exchanged between extracellular and intracellular compartments between the retina and vitreous, is a key metabolite in the initiation of a glycolytic switch.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates astrocyte oxidative metabolism by balancing TCA cycle dynamics

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an important energy sensor located in cells throughout the human body. From the periphery, AMPK is known to be a metabolic master switch controlling the use of energy fuels. The energy sensor is activated when the energy status of the cell is low, initiating energy-producing pathways and deactivating energy-consuming pathways. All brain cells are crucially dependent on energy production for survival, and the availability of energy substrates must be closely regulated. Intriguingly, the role of AMPK in the regulation of brain cell metabolism has been sparsely investigated, particularly in astrocytes. By investigating metabolism of ¹³ C-labeled energy substrates in acutely isolated hippocampal slices and cultured astrocytes, with subsequent mass spectrometry analysis, we here show that activation of AMPK increases glycolysis as well as the capacity of the TCA cycle, that is, anaplerosis, through the activity of pyruvate carboxylase (PC) in astrocytes. In addition, we demonstrate that AMPK activation leads to augmented astrocytic glutamate oxidation via pyruvate recycling (i.e., cataplerosis). This regulatory mechanism induced by AMPK activation is mediated via glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) shown in a CNS-specific GDH knockout mouse. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that AMPK regulates TCA cycle dynamics in astrocytes via PC and GDH activity. AMPK functionality has been shown to be hampered in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and our findings may therefore add to the toolbox for discovery of new metabolic drug targets.

Citrate chemistry and biology for biomaterials design

Leveraging the multifunctional nature of citrate in chemistry and inspired by its important role in biological tissues, a class of highly versatile and functional citrate-based materials (CBBs) has been developed via facile and cost-effective polycondensation. CBBs exhibiting tunable mechanical properties and degradation rates, together with excellent biocompatibility and processability, have been successfully applied in vitro and in vivo for applications ranging from soft to hard tissue regeneration, as well as for nanomedicine designs. We summarize in the review, chemistry considerations for CBBs design to tune polymer properties and to introduce functionality with a focus on the most recent advances, biological functions of citrate in native tissues with the new notion of degradation products as cell modulator highlighted, and the applications of CBBs in wound healing, nanomedicine, orthopedic, cardiovascular, nerve and bladder tissue engineering. Given the expansive evidence for citrate's potential in biology and biomaterial science outlined in this review, it is expected that citrate based materials will continue to play an important role in regenerative engineering.

Metabolic signaling in the brain and the role of astrocytes in control of glutamate and GABA neurotransmission

Neurotransmission mediated by the two amino acids glutamate and GABA is based on recycling of the two signaling molecules between the presynaptic nerve endings and the surrounding astrocytes. During the recycling process, a fraction of the transmitter pool is lost since both transmitters undergo oxidative metabolism. This loss must be replenished by de novo synthesis which involves the action of pyruvate carboxylase, aminotransferases, glutamate dehydrogenase and glutamine synthetase. Among these enzymes, pyruvate carboxylase and glutamine synthetase are selectively expressed in astrocytes and thus these cells are obligatory partners in synaptic replenishment of both glutamate and GABA. The cycling processes also involve transporters for glutamate, GABA and glutamine and the operation of these transporters is discussed. Additionally, astrocytes appear to be essential for production of the neuromodulators, citrate, glycine and d-serine, aspects that will be briefly discussed.

Characterization of the L-glutamate clearance pathways across the blood-brain barrier and the effect of astrocytes in an in vitro blood-brain barrier model

The aim was to characterize the clearance pathways for L-glutamate from the brain interstitial fluid across the blood-brain barrier using a primary in vitro bovine endothelial/rat astrocyte co-culture. Transporter profiling was performed using uptake studies of radiolabeled L-glutamate with co-application of transporter inhibitors and competing amino acids. Endothelial abluminal L-glutamate uptake was almost abolished by co-application of an EAAT-1 specific inhibitor, whereas luminal uptake was inhibited by L-glutamate and L-aspartate (1 mM). L-glutamate uptake followed Michaelis-Menten-like kinetics with high and low affinity at the abluminal and luminal membrane, respectively. This indicated that L-glutamate is taken up via EAAT-1 at the abluminal membrane and exits at the luminal membrane via a low affinity glutamate/aspartate transporter. Metabolism of L-glutamate and transport of metabolites was examined using [U-¹³C] L-glutamate. Intact L-glutamate and metabolites derived from oxidative metabolism were transported through the endothelial cells. High amounts of L-glutamate-derived lactate in the luminal medium indicated cataplerosis via malic enzyme. Thus, L-glutamate can be transported intact from brain to blood via the concerted action of abluminal and luminal transport proteins, but the total brain clearance is highly dependent on metabolism in astrocytes and endothelial cells followed by transport of metabolites.

Human retinal pigment epithelial cells prefer proline as a nutrient and transport metabolic intermediates to the retinal side

Metabolite transport is a major function of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to support the neural retina. RPE dysfunction plays a significant role in retinal degenerative diseases. We have used mass spectrometry with ¹³C tracers to systematically study nutrient consumption and metabolite transport in cultured human fetal RPE. LC/MS-MS detected 120 metabolites in the medium from either the apical or basal side. Surprisingly, more proline is consumed than any other nutrient, including glucose, taurine, lipids, vitamins, or other amino acids. Besides being oxidized through the Krebs cycle, proline is used to make citrate via reductive carboxylation. Citrate, made either from ¹³C proline or from ¹³C glucose, is preferentially exported to the apical side and is taken up by the retina. In conclusion, RPE cells consume multiple nutrients, including glucose and taurine, but prefer proline, and they actively synthesize and export metabolic intermediates to the apical side to nourish the outer retina.

Plasma Membrane Na⁺-Coupled Citrate Transporter (SLC13A5) and Neonatal Epileptic Encephalopathy

SLC13A5 is a Na⁺-coupled transporter for citrate that is expressed in the plasma membrane of specific cell types in the liver, testis, and brain. It is an electrogenic transporter with a Na⁺:citrate³⁻ stoichiometry of 4:1. In humans, the Michaelis constant for SLC13A5 to transport citrate is ~600 μM, which is physiologically relevant given that the normal concentration of citrate in plasma is in the range of 150–200 μM. Li⁺ stimulates the transport function of human SLC13A5 at concentrations that are in the therapeutic range in patients on lithium therapy. Human SLC13A5 differs from rodent Slc13a5 in two important aspects: the affinity of the human transporter for citrate is ~30-fold less than that of the rodent transporter, thus making human SLC13A5 a low-affinity/high-capacity transporter and the rodent Slc13a5 a high-affinity/low-capacity transporter. In the liver, SLC13A5 is expressed exclusively in the sinusoidal membrane of the hepatocytes, where it plays a role in the uptake of circulating citrate from the sinusoidal blood for metabolic use. In the testis, the transporter is expressed only in spermatozoa, which is also only in the mid piece where mitochondria are located; the likely function of the transporter in spermatozoa is to mediate the uptake of citrate present at high levels in the seminal fluid for subsequent metabolism in the sperm mitochondria to generate biological energy, thereby supporting sperm motility. In the brain, the transporter is expressed mostly in neurons. As astrocytes secrete citrate into extracellular medium, the potential function of SLC13A5 in neurons is to mediate the uptake of circulating citrate and astrocyte-released citrate for subsequent metabolism. Slc13a5-knockout mice have been generated; these mice do not have any overt phenotype but are resistant to experimentally induced metabolic syndrome. Recently however, loss-of-function mutations in human SLC13A5 have been found to cause severe epilepsy and encephalopathy early in life. Interestingly, there is no evidence of epilepsy or encephalopathy in Slc13a5-knockout mice, underlining the significant differences in clinical consequences of the loss of function of this transporter between humans and mice. The markedly different biochemical features of human SLC13A5 and mouse Slc13a5 likely contribute to these differences between humans and mice with regard to the metabolic consequences of the transporter deficiency. The exact molecular mechanisms by which the functional deficiency of the citrate transporter causes epilepsy and impairs neuronal development and function remain to be elucidated, but available literature implicate both dysfunction of GABA (γ-aminobutyrate) signaling and hyperfunction of NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartate) receptor signaling. Plausible synaptic mechanisms linking loss-of-function mutations in SLC13A5 to epilepsy are discussed.

The tricarboxylic acid cycle activity in cultured primary astrocytes is strongly accelerated by the protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor tyrphostin 23

Tyrphostin 23 (T23) is a well-known inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinases and has been considered as potential anti-cancer drug. T23 was recently reported to acutely stimulate the glycolytic flux in primary cultured astrocytes. To investigate whether T23 also affects the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, we incubated primary rat astrocyte cultures with [U-¹³C]glucose in the absence or the presence of 100 μM T23 for 2 h and analyzed the ¹³C metabolite pattern. These incubation conditions did not compromise cell viability and confirmed that the presence of T23 doubled glycolytic lactate production. In addition, T23-treatment strongly increased the molecular carbon labeling of the TCA cycle intermediates citrate, succinate, fumarate and malate, and significantly increased the incorporation of ¹³C-labelling into the amino acids glutamate, glutamine and aspartate. These results clearly demonstrate that, in addition to glycolysis, also the mitochondrial TCA cycle is strongly accelerated after exposure of astrocytes to T23, suggesting that a protein tyrosine kinase may be involved in the regulation of the TCA cycle in astrocytes.

AMPK Activation Affects Glutamate Metabolism in Astrocytes

Mammalian AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) functions as a metabolic switch. It is composed of 3 different subunits and its activation depends on phosphorylation of a threonine residue (Thr172) in the α-subunit. This phosphorylation can be brought about by 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) which in the cells is converted to a monophosphorylated nucleotide mimicking the effect of AMP. We show that the preparation of cultured astrocytes used for metabolic studies expresses AMPK, which could be phosphorylated by exposure of the cells to AICAR. The effect of AMPK activation on glutamate metabolism in astrocytes was studied using primary cultures of these cells from mouse cerebral cortex during incubation in media containing 2.5 mM glucose and 100 µM [U-(13)C]glutamate. The metabolism of glutamate including a detailed analysis of its metabolic pathways involving the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle was studied using high-performance liquid chromatography analysis supplemented with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technology. It was found that AMPK activation had profound effects on the pathways involved in glutamate metabolism since the entrance of the glutamate carbon skeleton into the TCA cycle was reduced. On the other hand, glutamate uptake into the astrocytes as well as its conversion to glutamine catalyzed by glutamine synthetase was not affected by AMPK activation. Interestingly, synthesis and release of citrate, which are hallmarks of astrocytic function, were affected by a reduction of the flux of glutamate derived carbon through the malic enzyme and pyruvate carboxylase catalyzed reactions. Finally, it was found that in the presence of glutamate as an additional substrate, glucose metabolism monitored by the use of tritiated deoxyglucose was unaffected by AMPK activation. Accordingly, the effects of AMPK activation appeared to be specific for certain key processes involved in glutamate metabolism.

Relaxin protects astrocytes from hypoxia in vitro

The peptide relaxin has recently been shown to protect brain tissues from the detrimental effects of ischemia. To date, the mechanisms for this remain unclear. In order to investigate the neuroprotective mechanisms by which relaxin may protect the brain, we investigated the possibility that relaxin protects astrocytes from hypoxia or oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD). Cultured astrocytes were pre-treated with either relaxin-2 or relaxin-3 and exposed to OGD for 24 or 48 hours. Following OGD exposure, viability assays showed that relaxin-treated cells exhibited a higher viability when compared to astrocytes that experienced OGD-alone. Next, to test whether relaxin reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) astrocytes were exposed to the same conditions as the previous experiment and a commercially available ROS detection kit was used to detect ROS production. Astrocytes that were treated with relaxin-2 and relaxin-3 showed a marked decrease in ROS production when compared to control astrocytes that were exposed only to OGD. Finally, experiments were performed to determine whether or not the mitochondrial membrane potential was affected by relaxin treatment during 24 hour OGD. Mitochondrial membrane potential was higher in astrocytes that were treated with relaxin-2 and relaxin-3 compared to untreated OGD-alone astrocytes. Taken together, these data present novel findings that show relaxin protects astrocytes from ischemic conditions through the reduction of ROS production and the maintenance of mitochondrial membrane potential.

13C NMR metabolomic evaluation of immediate and delayed mild hypothermia in cerebrocortical slices after oxygen-glucose deprivation

BACKGROUND

Mild brain hypothermia (32°-34°C) after human neonatal asphyxia improves neurodevelopmental outcomes. Astrocytes but not neurons have pyruvate carboxylase and an acetate uptake transporter. C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of rodent brain extracts after administering [1-C]glucose and [1,2-C]acetate can distinguish metabolic differences between glia and neurons, and tricarboxylic acid cycle entry via pyruvate dehydrogenase and pyruvate carboxylase.

METHODS

Neonatal rat cerebrocortical slices receiving a C-acetate/glucose mixture underwent a 45-min asphyxia simulation via oxygen-glucose-deprivation followed by 6 h of recovery. Protocols in three groups of N=3 experiments were identical except for temperature management. The three temperature groups were: normothermia (37°C), hypothermia (32°C for 3.75 h beginning at oxygen--glucose deprivation start), and delayed hypothermia (32°C for 3.75 h, beginning 15 min after oxygen-glucose deprivation start). Multivariate analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance metabolite quantifications included principal component analyses and the L1-penalized regularized regression algorithm known as the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator.

RESULTS

The most significant metabolite difference (P<0.0056) was [2-C]glutamine's higher final/control ratio for the hypothermia group (1.75±0.12) compared with ratios for the delayed (1.12±0.12) and normothermia group (0.94±0.06), implying a higher pyruvate carboxylase/pyruvate dehydrogenase ratio for glutamine formation. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator found the most important metabolites associated with adenosine triphosphate preservation: [3,4-C]glutamate-produced via pyruvate dehydrogenase entry, [2-C]taurine-an important osmolyte and antioxidant, and phosphocreatine. Final principal component analyses scores plots suggested separate cluster formation for the hypothermia group, but with insufficient data for statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Starting mild hypothermia simultaneously with oxygen-glucose deprivation, compared with delayed starting or no hypothermia, has higher pyruvate carboxylase throughput, suggesting that better glial integrity is one important neuroprotection mechanism of earlier hypothermia.

(13)C NMR spectroscopy applications to brain energy metabolism

(13)C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is the method of choice for studying brain metabolism. Indeed, the most convincing data obtained to decipher metabolic exchanges between neurons and astrocytes have been obtained using this technique, thus illustrating its power. It may be difficult for non-specialists, however, to grasp thefull implication of data presented in articles written by spectroscopists. The aim of the review is, therefore, to provide a fundamental understanding of this topic to facilitate the non-specialists in their reading of this literature. In the first part of this review, we present the metabolic fate of (13)C-labeled substrates in the brain in a detailed way, including an overview of some general neurochemical principles. We also address and compare the various spectroscopic strategies that can be used to study brain metabolism. Then, we provide an overview of the (13)C NMR experiments performed to analyze both intracellular and intercellular metabolic fluxes. More particularly, the role of lactate as a potential energy substrate for neurons is discussed in the light of (13)C NMR data. Finally, new perspectives and applications offered by (13)C hyperpolarization are described.

Effect of glucose on glutamine metabolism in rat brain slices: a cellular metabolomic study with Effect of glucose ¹³C NMR

To examine the effect of glucose on the cerebral metabolism of glutamine, rat brain slices were incubated with 5mM [3-(13)C]glutamine without and with 5mM unlabeled glucose. Tissue plus medium extracts were analyzed by using enzymatic and (13)C NMR techniques and fluxes through the enzymatic steps involved were calculated with a mathematical model. We demonstrate that glucose increased alanine, pyruvate and glutamate accumulations and decreased ammonium ions accumulation, aspartate accumulation and labeling, and GABA labeling. In order to determine the participation of glutamine synthetase when glucose was added to the incubation medium, we incubated rat brain slices with 5mM [3-(13)C]glutamine plus 5mM unlabeled glucose without and with 2mM methionine sulfoximine (MSO). The results indicate that 77% of the newly appeared glutamine was formed via glutamine synthetase and 23% from endogenous sources; the stimulation of [3-(13)C]glutamine removal by MSO also strongly suggests the existence of a cycle between [3-(13)C]glutamine and [3-(13)C]glutamate. This work also demonstrates that glucose increased fluxes through hexokinase, pyruvate kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, pyruvate carboxylase, pyruvate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, flux from α-ketoglutarate to glutamate and flux through glutamine synthetase whereas it inhibited fluxes through aspartate aminotransferase, glutamic acid decarboxylase and GABA aminotransferase.

Rat brain slices oxidize glucose at high rates: a (13)C NMR study

Since glucose is the main cerebral substrate, we have characterized the metabolism of various (13)C glucose isotopomers in rat brain slices. For this, we have used our cellular metabolomic approach that combines enzymatic and carbon 13 NMR techniques with mathematical models of metabolic pathways. We identified the fate and the pathways of the conversion of glucose carbons into various products (pyruvate, lactate, alanine, aspartate, glutamate, GABA, glutamine and CO(2)) and determined absolute fluxes through pathways of glucose metabolism. After 60 min of incubation, lactate and CO(2) were the main end-products of the metabolism of glucose which was avidly metabolized by the slices. Lactate was also used at high rates by the slices and mainly converted into CO(2). High values of flux through pyruvate carboxylase, which were similar with glucose and lactate as substrate, were observed. The addition of glutamine, but not of acetate, stimulated pyruvate carboxylation, the conversion of glutamate into succinate and fluxes through succinate dehydrogenase, malic enzyme, glutamine synthetase and aspartate aminotransferase. It is concluded that, unlike brain cells in culture, and consistent with high fluxes through PDH and enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, rat brain slices oxidized both glucose and lactate at high rates.

Characterization of primary and secondary cultures of astrocytes prepared from mouse cerebral cortex

Astrocyte cultures were prepared from cerebral cortex of new-born and 7-day-old mice and additionally, the cultures from new-born animals were passaged as secondary cultures. The cultures were characterized by immunostaining for the astrocyte markers glutamine synthetase (GS), glial fibrillary acidic protein, and the glutamate transporters EAAT1 and EAAT2. The cultures prepared from 7-day-old animals were additionally characterized metabolically using (13)C-labeled glucose and glutamate as well as (15)N-labeled glutamate as substrates. All types of cultures exhibited pronounced immunostaining of the astrocyte marker proteins. The metabolic pattern of the cultures from 7-day-old animals of the labeled substrates was comparable to that seen previously in astrocyte cultures prepared from new-born mouse brain showing pronounced glycolytic and oxidative metabolism of glucose. Glutamate was metabolized both via the GS pathway and oxidatively via the tricarboxylic acid cycle as expected. Additionally, glutamate underwent pronounced transamination to aspartate and alanine and the intracellular pools of alanine and pyruvate exhibited compartmentation. Altogether the results show that cultures prepared from cerebral cortex of 7-day-old mice have metabolic and functional properties indistinguishable from those of classical astrocyte cultures prepared from neocortex of new-born animals. This provides flexibility with regard to preparation and use of these cultures for a variety of purposes.

Metabolism of [U-(13)C]aspartate by astroglial cultures: nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of the culture media

In brain the amino acid L-aspartate serves roles as: (1) putative transmitter, (2) protein precursor, (3) donor of atoms for the biosynthesis of pyrimidine and purine bases, and (4) fuel for energy metabolism. Astrocytes dominate aspartate clearance in brain, and in culture they take up aspartate and quickly metabolize it. In brain, only astrocytes were shown to express the enzymes for de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis. To gain more details about the spectrum of metabolites generated from aspartate and subsequently released by cultured astrocytes a (13)C-nuclear magnetic resonance analysis was performed of [U-(13)C]aspartate supplemented incubation media exposed to astroglial cultures. The results show that astrocytes readily metabolize aspartate and release into their culture media (13)C-isotopomers of lactate, glutamine, citrate and alanine. Despite the presence in astroglial cells of two tandem enzymes of pyrimidine biosynthesis and their mRNAs, pyrimidine nucleotide-related heterocyclic compounds such as dihydroorotate and orotate could not be detected in the culture media.

Identification of ATP citrate lyase as a positive regulator of glycolytic function in glioblastomas

Glioblastomas, the most malignant type of glioma, are more glycolytic than normal brain tissue. Robust migration of glioblastoma cells has been previously demonstrated under glycolytic conditions and their pseudopodia contain increased glycolytic and decreased mitochondrial enzymes. Glycolysis is suppressed by metabolic acids, including citric acid which is excluded from mitochondria during hypoxia. We postulated that glioma cells maintain glycolysis by regulating metabolic acids, especially in their pseudopodia. The enzyme that breaks down cytosolic citric acid is ATP citrate lyase (ACLY). Our identification of increased ACLY in pseudopodia of U87 glioblastoma cells on 1D gels and immunoblots prompted investigation of ACLY gene expression in gliomas for survival data and correlation with expression of ENO1, that encodes enolase 1. Queries of the NIH's REMBRANDT brain tumor database based on Affymetrix data indicated that decreased survival correlated with increased gene expression of ACLY in gliomas. Queries of gliomas and glioblastomas found an association of upregulated ACLY and ENO1 expression by chi square for all probe sets (reporters) combined and correlation for numbers of probe sets indicating shared upregulation of these genes. Real-time quantitative PCR confirmed correlation between ACLY and ENO1 in 21 glioblastomas (p < 0.001). Inhibition of ACLY with hydroxycitrate suppressed (p < 0.05) in vitro glioblastoma cell migration, clonogenicity and brain invasion under glycolytic conditions and enhanced the suppressive effects of a Met inhibitor on cell migration. In summary, gene expression data, proteomics and functional assays support ACLY as a positive regulator of glycolysis in glioblastomas.

Manganese and its role in Parkinson's disease: from transport to neuropathology

The purpose of this review is to highlight recent advances in the neuropathology associated with Mn exposures. We commence with a discussion on occupational manganism and clinical aspects of the disorder. This is followed by novel considerations on Mn transport (see also chapter by Yokel, this volume), advancing new hypotheses on the involvement of several transporters in Mn entry into the brain. This is followed by a brief description of the effects of Mn on neurotransmitter systems that are putative modulators of dopamine (DA) biology (the primary target of Mn neurotoxicity), as well as its effects on mitochondrial dysfunction and disruption of cellular energy metabolism. Next, we discuss inflammatory activation of glia in neuronal injury and how disruption of synaptic transmission and glial-neuronal communication may serve as underlying mechanisms of Mn-induced neurodegeneration commensurate with the cross-talk between glia and neurons. We conclude with a discussion on therapeutic aspects of Mn exposure. Emphasis is directed at treatment modalities and the utility of chelators in attenuating the neurodegenerative sequelae of exposure to Mn. For additional reading on several topics inherent to this review as well as others, the reader may wish to consult Aschner and Dorman (Toxicological Review 25:147-154, 2007) and Bowman et al. (Metals and neurodegeneration, 2009).

The glutamate-glutamine cycle is not stoichiometric: fates of glutamate in brain

Although glutamate is usually thought of as the major excitatory neurotransmitter in brain, it is important to note that glutamate has many other fates in brain, including oxidation for energy, incorporation into proteins, and formation of glutamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glutathione. The compartmentation of glutamate in brain cells is complex and modulated by the presence and concentration of glutamate per se as well as by other metabolites. Both astrocytes and neurons distinguish between exogenous glutamate and glutamate formed endogenously from glutamine via glutaminase. There is evidence of multiple subcellular compartments of glutamate within both neurons and astrocytes, and the carbon skeleton of glutamate can be derived from other amino acids and many energy substrates including glucose, lactate, and 3-hydroxybutyrate. Both astrocytes and neurons utilize glutamate, albeit for cell-specific metabolic fates. Glutamate is readily formed in neurons from glutamine synthesized in astrocytes, released into the extracellular space, and taken up by neurons. However, the glutamate-glutamine cycle is not a stoichiometric cycle but rather an open pathway that interfaces with many other metabolic pathways to varying extents depending on cellular requirements and priorities.

Stirred vessel cultures of rat brain cells aggregates: characterization of major metabolic pathways and cell population dynamics

We report a study on neural metabolism of long-term three-dimensional cultures of rat embryonic brain cells in stirred vessels. Our experimental setup was optimized to keep viable aggregate cultures with neuronal maintenance for up to 44 days. Results show that aggregate size and shape could be hydrodynamically controlled depending on the impeller design, avoiding necrotic centers or significant losses in cell viability. Aggregates were composed mainly of neurons until day 16, whereas an effective growth of the glial population was observed after day 21. Cell metabolic status was evaluated by quantification of several metabolites in the culture medium; amino acid metabolism was used as a marker of metabolic interrelationships between neural cell types. Furthermore, (13)C-NMR spectroscopy was used on day 31 to explore specific metabolic pathways: incubation with [1-(13)C]glucose for 45 hr produced an increase in label incorporation in extracellular alanine, lactate, and glutamine, reflecting mainly astrocytic metabolism. The contribution of anaplerotic vs. oxidative pathways for glutamine synthesis was determined: a 92% reduction in the pyruvate carboxylase flux during the first 41 hr of incubation suggested a decrease in the need for replacing tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates. We believe that our data corroborate the aggregating cultures as an attractive system to analyze brain cell metabolism being a valuable tool to model metabolic fluxes for in vitro brain diseases.

(13)C heteronuclear NMR studies of the interaction of cultured neurons and astrocytes and aluminum blockade of the preferential release of citrate from astrocytes

Citrate has been identified as a major tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle constituent preferentially released by astrocytes. We undertook the present study to examine further the nature of metabolic compartmentation in central nervous system tissues using (13)C-labeled glucose and to provide new information on the influence of aluminum on the metabolic interaction between neurons and astrocytes. Metabolites released into the culture medium from astrocytes and neuron-astrocyte coculture, as well as the perchloric acid extracts of the cells were analyzed using 2D (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. Astrocytes released citrate into the culture medium and the released citrate was consumed by neurons in coculture. Citrate release by astrocytes was blocked in the presence of aluminum, with progressive accumulation of citrate within the cells. We propose citrate supply is a more efficient energy source than lactate for neurons to produce ATP, especially in the hypoglycemic state on account of it being a direct component of the TCA cycle. Astrocytes may be the cellular compartment for aluminum accumulation as a citrate complex in the brain.

Iron trafficking inside the brain

Iron, an essential element for all cells of the body, including those of the brain, is transported bound to transferrin in the blood and the general extracellular fluid of the body. The demonstration of transferrin receptors on brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) more than 20 years ago provided the evidence for the now accepted view that the first step in blood to brain transport of iron is receptor-mediated endocytosis of transferrin. Subsequent steps are less clear. However, recent investigations which form the basis of this review have shed some light on them and also indicate possible fruitful avenues for future research. They provide new evidence on how iron is released from transferrin on the abluminal surface of BCECs, including the role of astrocytes in this process, how iron is transported in brain extracellular fluid, and how iron is taken up by neurons and glial cells. We propose that the divalent metal transporter 1 is not involved in iron transport through the BCECs. Instead, iron is probably released from transferrin on the abluminal surface of these cells by the action of citrate and ATP that are released by astrocytes, which form a very close relationship with BCECs. Complexes of iron with citrate and ATP can then circulate in brain extracellular fluid and may be taken up in these low-molecular weight forms by all types of brain cells or be bound by transferrin and taken up by cells which express transferrin receptors. Some iron most likely also circulates bound to transferrin, as neurons contain both transferrin receptors and divalent metal transporter 1 and can take up transferrin-bound iron. The most likely source for transferrin in the brain interstitium derives from diffusion from the ventricles. Neurons express the iron exporting carrier, ferroportin, which probably allows them to excrete unneeded iron. Astrocytes lack transferrin receptors. Their source of iron is probably that released from transferrin on the abluminal surface of BCECs. They probably to export iron by a mechanism involving a membrane-bound form of the ferroxidase, ceruloplasmin. Oligodendrocytes also lack transferrin receptors. They probably take up non-transferrin bound iron that gets incorporated in newly synthesized transferrin, which may play an important role for intracellular iron transport.

The triggering of astrocytic calcium waves by NMDA-induced neuronal activation

It has been well established that astrocytes possess functional receptors for the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and respond to physiological concentrations of this substance with oscillations in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentrations and spatially propagating Ca2+ waves. These findings strongly suggest that glutamate released during synaptic transmission triggers such phenomena within the perisynaptic astrocyte in situ. We test this hypothesis in two preparations, the organotypic hippocampal slice and hippocampal neuron-astrocyte co-cultures, using the Ca2+ indicator fluo-3 and confocal laser microscopy. An agonist for the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-preferring glutamate receptor is employed to stimulate neuronal populations specifically, leaving the astrocytic population unaffected as these cells appear to lack this glutamate receptor subtype. Such pharmacological stimulation initially elicits large Ca2+ transients within the neuronal populations, followed by Ca2+ spikes in surrounding astrocytes, presumably as the result of neuronal glutamate release. During continuous neuronal stimulation, the astrocyte's Ca2+ response becomes oscillatory, with a period averaging 33 s and ranging from 15 to 50 s at 21 degrees C. These findings establish another form of communication within the brain, that between neurons and astrocytes, which perhaps acts to couple astrocytic regulatory responses to neuronal activity.

Food for thought: fluctuations in brain extracellular glucose provide insight into the mechanisms of memory modulation

Extensive evidence indicates that peripheral or direct central glucose administration enhances cognitive processes in rodents and humans. These behavioral findings suggest that glucose acts directly on the brain to regulate neural processing, a function that seems incompatible with the traditional view that brain glucose levels are high and invariant except under extreme conditions. However, recent data suggest that the glucose levels of the brain's extracellular fluid are lower and more variable than previously supposed. In particular, the level of glucose in the extracellular fluid of a given brain area decreases substantially when a rat is performing a memory task for which the brain area is necessary. Together with results identifying downstream effects of such variance in glucose availability, the evidence leads to new thinking about glucose regulation of brain functions including memory.

Metabolic regulation of citrate and iron by aconitases: role of iron–sulfur cluster biogenesis

Iron and citrate are essential for the metabolism of most organisms, and regulation of iron and citrate biology at both the cellular and systemic levels is critical for normal physiology and survival. Mitochondrial and cytosolic aconitases catalyze the interconversion of citrate and isocitrate, and aconitase activities are affected by iron levels, oxidative stress and by the status of the Fe-S cluster biogenesis apparatus. Assembly and disassembly of Fe-S clusters is a key process not only in regulating the enzymatic activity of mitochondrial aconitase in the citric acid cycle, but also in controlling the iron sensing and RNA binding activities of cytosolic aconitase (also known as iron regulatory protein IRP1). This review discusses the central role of aconitases in intermediary metabolism and explores how iron homeostasis and Fe-S cluster biogenesis regulate the Fe-S cluster switch and modulate intracellular citrate flux.

The glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle: aspects of transport, neurotransmitter homeostasis and ammonia transfer

Neurons are metabolically handicapped in the sense that they are not able to perform de novo synthesis of neurotransmitter glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from glucose. A metabolite shuttle known as the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle describes the release of neurotransmitter glutamate or GABA from neurons and subsequent uptake into astrocytes. In return, astrocytes release glutamine to be taken up into neurons for use as neurotransmitter precursor. In this review, the basic properties of the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle will be discussed, including aspects of transport and metabolism. Discussions of stoichiometry, the relative role of glutamate vs. GABA and pathological conditions affecting the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycling are presented. Furthermore, a section is devoted to the accompanying ammonia homeostasis of the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle, examining the possible means of intercellular transfer of ammonia produced in neurons (when glutamine is deamidated to glutamate) and utilized in astrocytes (for amidation of glutamate) when the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle is operating. A main objective of this review is to endorse the view that the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle must be seen as a bi-directional transfer of not only carbon units but also nitrogen units.

Glutamate and GABA metabolism in transient and permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in rat: Importance of astrocytes for neuronal survival

The aim of the present study was to identify the distinguishing metabolic characteristics of brain tissue salvaged by reperfusion following focal cerebral ischemia. Rats were subjected to 120 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by 120 min of reperfusion. The rats received an intravenous bolus injection of [1-(13)C]glucose plus [1,2-(13)C]acetate. Subsequently two brain regions considered to represent penumbra and ischemic core, i.e. the frontoparietal cortex and the lateral caudoputamen plus lower parietal cortex, respectively, were analyzed with (13)C NMRS and HPLC. The results demonstrated four metabolic events that distinguished the reperfused penumbra from the ischemic core. (1) Improved astrocytic metabolism demonstrated by increased amounts of [4,5-(13)C]glutamine and improved acetate oxidation. (2) Neuronal mitochondrial activity was better preserved although the flux of glucose via pyruvate dehydrogenase into the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons was halved. However, NAA content was at control level. (3) Glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons used relatively more astrocytic metabolites derived from the pyruvate carboxylase pathway. (4) Lactate synthesis was not increased despite decreased glucose metabolism in the TCA cycle via pyruvate dehydrogenase. In the ischemic core both neuronal and astrocytic TCA cycle activity declined significantly despite reperfusion. The utilization of astrocytic precursors originating from the pyruvate carboxylase pathway was markedly reduced compared the pyruvate dehydrogenase pathway in glutamate, and completely stopped in GABA. The NAA level fell significantly and lactate accumulated. The results demonstrate that preservation of astrocytic metabolism is essential for neuronal survival and a predictor for recovery.

Functional and molecular identification of sodium-coupled dicarboxylate transporters in rat primary cultured cerebrocortical astrocytes and neurons

Na+-coupled carboxylate transporters (NaCs) mediate the uptake of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates in mammalian tissues. Of these transporters, NaC3 (formerly known as Na+-coupled dicarboxylate transporter 3, NaDC3/SDCT2) and NaC2 (formerly known as Na+-coupled citrate transporter, NaCT) have been shown to be expressed in brain. There is, however, little information available on the precise distribution and function of both transporters in the CNS. In the present study, we investigated the functional characteristics of Na+-dependent succinate and citrate transport in primary cultures of astrocytes and neurons from rat cerebral cortex. Uptake of succinate was Na+ dependent, Li+ sensitive and saturable with a Michaelis constant (Kt) value of 28.4 microM in rat astrocytes. Na+ activation kinetics revealed that the Na+ to succinate stoichiometry was 3:1 and the concentration of Na+ necessary for half-maximal transport was 53 mM. Although uptake of citrate in astrocytes was also Na+ dependent and saturable, its Kt value was significantly higher (approximately 1.2 mM) than that of succinate. Unlabeled succinate (2 mM) inhibited Na+-dependent [14C]succinate (18 microM) and [14C]citrate (4.5 microM) transport completely, whereas unlabeled citrate inhibited Na+-dependent [14C]succinate uptake more weakly. Interestingly, N-acetyl-L-aspartate, which is the second most abundant amino acid in the nervous system, also completely inhibited Na+-dependent succinate transport in rat astrocytes. The inhibition constant (Ki) for the inhibition of [14C]succinate uptake by unlabeled succinate, N-acetyl-L-aspartate and citrate was 15.9, 155 and 764 microM respectively. In primary cultures of neurons, uptake of citrate was also Na+ dependent and saturable with a Kt value of 16.2 microM, which was different from that observed in astrocytes, suggesting that different Na+-dependent citrate transport systems are expressed in neurons and astrocytes. RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry revealed that NaC3 and NaC2 are expressed in cerebrocortical astrocytes and neurons respectively. These results are in good agreement with our previous reports on the brain distribution pattern of NaC2 and NaC3 mRNA using in situ hybridization. This is the first report of the differential expression of different NaCs in astrocytes and neurons. These transporters might play important roles in the trafficking of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates and related metabolites between glia and neurons.

Functional characterization of Na+-coupled citrate transporter NaC2/NaCT expressed in primary cultures of neurons from mouse cerebral cortex

Neurons are known to express a high-affinity Na+ -coupled dicarboxylate transporter(s) for uptake of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, such as alpha-ketoglutarate and malate, which are precursors for neurotransmitters including glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid. There is, however, little information available on the molecular identity of the transporters responsible for this uptake process in neurons. In the present study, we investigated the characteristics of Na+ -dependent citrate transport in primary cultures of neurons from mouse cerebral cortex and established the molecular identity of this transport system as the Na+ -coupled citrate transporter (NaC2/NaCT). Reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR and immunocytochemical analyses revealed that only NaC2/NaCT was expressed in mouse cerebrocortical neurons but not in astrocytes. Uptake of citrate in neurons was Na+ -dependent, Li+ -sensitive, and saturable with the Kt value of 12.3 microM. This Kt value was comparable with that in the case of Na+ -dependent succinate transport (Kt = 9.2 microM). Na+ -activation kinetics revealed that the Na+ -to-citrate stoichiometry was 3.4:1 and concentration of Na+ necessary for half-maximal activation (K0.5(Na)) was 45.7 mM. Na+ -dependent uptake of [14C]citrate (18 microM) was significantly inhibited by unlabeled citrate as well as dicarboxylates such as succinate, malate, fumarate, and alpha-ketoglutarate. This is the first report demonstrating the molecular identity of the Na+ -coupled di/tricarboxylate transport system expressed in neurons as NaC2/NaCT, which can transport the tricarboxylate citrate as well as dicarboxylates such as succinate, alpha-ketoglutarate, and malate.

Aspartate aminotransferase in synaptic and nonsynaptic mitochondria: differential effect of compounds that influence transient hetero-enzyme complex (metabolon) formation

The enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) has a number of key roles in astrocytes and neurons in brain. An understanding of the regulation of AAT is important since AAT is involved in many aspects of glutamate metabolism including the synthesis of neurotransmitter glutamate. Mitochondrial AAT binds to a protein and lipids on the inner mitochondrial membrane and also forms a number of transient hetero-enzyme complexes with other enzymes. These complexes serve to facilitate metabolism by essentially channeling substrates and cofactors to other enzymes within the complex. The association and dissociation of transiently formed hetero-enzyme complexes may modulate enzyme activity in "real time" since these complexes are dynamically influenced by changes in the concentration of a number of key metabolites. The influence of several effectors that modulate AAT activity, either directly, or by altering the binding of AAT to mitochondrial lipids, or the association/dissociation into transient hetero-enzyme complexes was determined. The addition of palmitate, malate, citrate, glutamate, bovine serum albumin and Mg(2+) modulated AAT activity differently in synaptic and nonsynaptic mitochondria from brain. These findings suggest that AAT activity and also glutamate metabolism, may be regulated in part, by metabolites that influence binding of the enzyme to lipids or proteins in the inner mitochondrial membrane and/or the association/dissociation of transient hetero-enzyme complexes. This may have a role in the compartmentation of glutamate metabolism in brain.

Lactate utilization by brain cells and its role in CNS development

We studied the role played by lactate as an important substrate for the brain during the perinatal period. Under these circumstances, lactate is the main substrate for brain development and is used as a source of energy and carbon skeletons. In fact, lactate is used actively by brain cells in culture. Neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes use lactate as a preferential substrate for both energy purposes and as precursor of lipids. Astrocytes use lactate and other metabolic substrates for the synthesis of oleic acid, a new neurotrophic factor. Oligodendrocytes mainly use lactate as precursor of lipids, presumably those used to synthesize myelin. Neurons use lactate as a source of energy and as precursor of lipids. During the perinatal period, neurons may use blood lactate directly to meet the need for the energy and carbon skeletons required for proliferation and differentiation. During adult life, however, the lactate used by neurons may come from astrocytes, in which lactate is the final product of glycogen breakdown. It may be concluded that lactate plays an important role in brain development.