The Brain and Exercise: How Different Forms of Exercise Impact Neuronal Metabolism and Neuroprotection

Introduction

Understanding brain metabolism offers insight not only into the potential root causes of neurodegenerative disease but also the interventions that can positively impact cognitive functioning. In particular, looking at the pathways, energy use, and factors of neuronal adaptation that happens in exercise offers us important insight into the basis of neuroprotection. 

Let’s keep in mind that the brain uses 20% of the body's oxygen and 25% of its glucose to support neuronal signaling and neurotransmitter recycling. Looking at  energy dynamics when at rest versus with exercise enables us to better understand how the neuron uses glucose and manages glycolysis through the TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, whereby ATP is produced. 

Closely related to the neuron’s metabolism is how the astrocyte (the glial cell that provides structural and metabolic support for neurons) also contributes to the neuron's energy supply by supplying lactate, through what's referred to as the lactate shuttle.