Cited by 1,298Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchNeurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanismsNeuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms

Lactate in the brain: from metabolic end-product to signalling molecule

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Magistretti, Pierre J., Allaman, Igor·2018·Nature Reviews Neuroscience

Abstract

Lactate in the brain has long been associated with ischaemia; however, more recent evidence shows that it can be found there under physiological conditions. In the brain, lactate is formed predominantly in astrocytes from glucose or glycogen in response to neuronal activity signals. Thus, neurons and astrocytes show tight metabolic coupling. Lactate is transferred from astrocytes to neurons to match the neuronal energetic needs, and to provide signals that modulate neuronal functions, including excitability, plasticity and memory consolidation. In addition, lactate affects several homeostatic functions. Overall, lactate ensures adequate energy supply, modulates neuronal excitability levels and regulates adaptive functions in order to set the 'homeostatic tone' of the nervous system.

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Crossref · 10.1038/nrn.2018.19

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Authors
Magistretti, P. J., & Allaman, I.
Affiliations
  • Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CH)
  • École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (CH)
Corresponding author
Magistretti, Pierre J.
Venue
Nature Reviews Neuroscience
Published
2018-03-08
Volume
19
Issue
4
Pages
235-249
ISSN
  • 1471-003X (ISSN-L)
  • 1471-0048
OpenAlex
W2789730644
Cited by
1,298
References
211
Citations by year
2026: 209 · 2025: 201 · 2024: 210 · 2023: 178 · 2022: 147 · 2021: 144 · 2020: 104 · 2019: 68 · 2018: 34
FWCI
11.33
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Nature reviews. Neuroscience (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Infoscience (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • IRIS (submittedVersion)
  • King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Repository (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) (submittedVersion)
  • SERVAL (Université de Lausanne) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Developmental Neuroscience › Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Neurology › Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms
Keywords
brain lactate, astrocytes, neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, memory consolidation, brain energy metabolism, lactate transport, ischemia
MeSH terms
Animals, Astrocytes, Brain, Energy Metabolism, Humans, Memory, Neuronal Plasticity, Neurons, Signal Transduction, Lactic Acid

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