A Role for Astrocytes in Sensing the Brain Microenvironment and Neuro-Metabolic Integration

Astrocytes occupy a strategic position in the brain where they can act as an interface between neurones and blood vessels, and neurones and the cerebro-spinal fluid. This location is ideal for functioning as interoceptors, as they may sense changes in brain microenvironment and contribute to the adaptive homeostatic responses coordinated by neuronal networks. Here we briefly review some of the recent evidence, which implicates the involvement of astrocytes in the central nervous control of breathing, sympathetic tone and blood glucose levels. L-lactate appears a potentially crucial signaling molecule in the communication between astrocytes and neurones. Based on the available evidence, we conclude that astrocytes contribute to the homeostasis by playing a significant role in the brain’s interoceptive mechanisms.