• J E Rinholm and L H Bergersen.
• The Brain and Muscle Energy Group, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, PB1105 Blindern, N-0317 Oslo, Norway; Janelia Farm Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA.
• Neuroscience. 2014 Sep 12;276:109-16.

AbstractAbout half of the human brain is white matter, characterized by axons covered in myelin, which facilitates the high speed of nerve signals from one brain area to another. At the time of myelination, the oligodendrocytes that synthesize myelin require a large amount of energy for this task. Conditions that deprive the tissue of energy can kill the oligodendrocytes. During brain development, the oligodendrocytes may use lactate as an alternative source of energy and material for myelin formation. Mature oligodendrocytes, however, can release lactate through the myelin sheath as nutrient for axons. In addition, lactate carries signals as a volume transmitter. Myelin thus seems to serve as a provider of substrates and signals for axons, and not as a mere insulator. We review the fluxes of lactate in white matter and their significance in brain function.Copyright © 2013 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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