Published in:
Neuroembryology and Aging, 1 (2002) 4, Seite 161-168
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1159/000066272
ISSN:
1661-3406;
1661-3414
Origination:
Footnote:
Description:
Glucose is the main energy source for the mammalian brain and glycogen the largest energy reserve available in the developing nervous system. In addition to glucose, monocarboxylates including lactate, pyruvate and ketone bodies are a major source of energy of the brain under several conditions including development, excitotoxic stress or energy deprivation. Delivery of energy substrates from the blood to the brain requires specific glucose and monocarboxylate transporters across the endothelial cells involved in blood-brain barrier and cellular membranes of the neurons and glia. As the energy metabolism of the brain is based on coupling between neuronal activity, blood flow and energy supply, it could play a crucial role in the genesis of lesions associated with hypoxic and/or inflammatory insults. This review summarizes recent advances on the use and transport of carbohydrate substrates in adult and developing mammals. Characterization of the cellular sites of glucose and monocarboxylate transporter expression in the different cell populations of brain telencephalon during development is a relevant question for the understanding of cerebral metabolisms in the normal neonate and in clinical disorders occurring during hypoxia-ischemia insults or energy deprivation.