Astrocytes have emerged as major players in intercellular signaling, which contribute to brain information processing, synaptic plasticity and neurovascular coupling. Astrocyte intracellular calcium signals are central to this communication and are triggered by neurotransmitter receptors in response to synaptic input.

For decades the notion that glucose is taken up and metabolized by individual brain cells according to their relative need was carved in stone. Things are much more complex. We now know that the metabolic support of the brain is a concerted effort between the vascular system, glial cells, and neurons.