Metabolism, the set of chemical reactions that maintains life by converting nutrients into energy and essential molecules, plays crucial roles in supporting the functions of the brain and nervous system. The brain is an energetically demanding organ and relies on glucose as its primary energy source. Neurons continually require a steady supply of glucose and oxygen to support their electrical activity and communication. Mitochondria are essential for energy production in neurons with mitochondrial dysfunction compromising energy metabolism, leading to reduced ATP production and oxidative stress. As such, dysfunctional mitochondria have been implicated in contributing to various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) regulates the exchange of molecules between the bloodstream and the brain. Glucose transporters located at the BBB facilitate the transport of glucose from the bloodstream. The main glucose transporter expressed at the BBB is GLUT1 (Glucose Transporter 1). GLUT1 is responsible for transporting glucose across the BBB and ensuring a steady supply of glucose to the brain. GLUT1 is a facilitative glucose transporter, meaning it transports glucose along its concentration gradient and is highly expressed in the endothelial cells of the BBB. GLUT1 is highly efficient at maintaining a relatively constant level of glucose transport, regardless of fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Other glucose transporters, such as GLUT3 and GLUT4, are predominantly expressed in neurons and other brain cells but are not as abundant at the BBB as GLUT1. GLUT3 is the major glucose transporter in neurons, facilitating glucose uptake and utilization within brain cells. Metabolism is also critical for neurotransmitter synthesis. Several neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine, are derived from metabolic pathways. Imbalances in neurotransmitter levels due to metabolic defects can therefore lead to neurological and psychiatric disorders. Glial cells, including astrocytes and microglia, play critical roles in brain metabolism. Astrocytes are involved in the regulation of cerebral blood flow and glucose uptake. Microglia, the immune cells of the brain, also participate in metabolic processes and contribute to neuroinflammation. Microglia constantly survey the brain environment for signs of injury, infection, or abnormal cellular activities and are thought to monitor the levels of various metabolites, including glucose and neurotransmitters, to ensure that the brain's metabolic needs are met. Metabolism is closely linked to brain synaptic plasticity, the ability of synapses to change their strength and structure in response to activity. Metabolism plays a crucial role in regulating the availability of neurotransmitters, ion gradients, and signalling molecules involved in synaptic plasticity. For example, calcium ions, which are critical for various forms of synaptic plasticity, are regulated by metabolic processes within neurons. Metabolism is similarly essential for recycling of neurotransmitters. After neurotransmitters release signals, they are taken up by glial cells and neurons, recycled, and restored to maintain synaptic function. Dysregulation of metabolism has been implicated in various neurological disorders. In Alzheimer's disease, impaired glucose metabolism in the brain is linked to amyloid-beta accumulation and cognitive decline, whilst metabolic syndrome and diabetes have been associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. We offer a comprehensive product catalogue of research tools for studying neuronal metabolism, including IRS1 antibodies, IL6 antibodies, Insulin antibodies, IL6 ELISA Kits, and Leptin ELISA Kits. Explore our full neuronal metabolism product range below and discover more, for less.