Figure 3.

Glucose metabolism in astrocytes and neuronal cells. Glucose molecules available in the blood vessels cross the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) and are taken up by astrocytes and neurons. Astrocytes use aerobic glycolysis, despite the presence of oxygen, to produce ATP and Lactate (Warburg‐like effect). Neurons take up glucose directly from the bloodstream, which is converted to pyruvate via glycolysis. Lactate shuttled by astrocytes is also taken up by neurons and converted into pyruvate. Pyruvate inside the neuronal cytosol is converted into Acetyl‐CoA and enters the Krebs cycle, releasing by‐products for OxPhos to produce sufficient ATP, required for neuronal activity.