Neuroenergetics

Neuroenergetics is the study of how neural activity is powered by cellular energy metabolism. It integrates neuroscience, biochemistry, physiology, and systems biology to understand how ATP production meets the brain’s high and dynamic energy demands. The brain primarily uses glucose, but can also utilize lactate and ketone bodies under certain conditions. Energy supply relies on glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, with ATP required for ion pumping, neurotransmitter cycling, and synaptic transmission. Neuronal function and signaling depend on coordinated metabolic pathways and vascular support.

A central topic is neuron–glia metabolic coupling. The astrocyte–neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS) hypothesis posits that astrocytes take up glucose and convert it to lactate, which is exported and used by neurons during activity. The model has spurred extensive research and debate, with alternative perspectives emphasizing neuronal glycolysis and metabolic flexibility. Transporters such as monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) mediate lactate flux, while mitochondria in neurons and astrocytes generate ATP as needed.

Techniques such as magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) quantify brain metabolites; positron emission tomography (PET) with 18F‑FDG measures glucose uptake; and functional MRI links energetic demand to hemodynamic signals. Emerging methods in metabolic tracing and single-cell imaging are advancing the mapping of energy flow through neural circuits.

Clinical relevance includes ischemia and stroke, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s), epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury, where energy metabolism is disrupted. Diet and metabolic state (e.g., ketosis, sleep, development, aging) influence substrate use. Neuroenergetics thus connects metabolic regulation with neural computation and brain health.