A role for CO₂ and bicarbonate transporters in metabolic exchanges in the brain

Acid-base transporters are linked to the energy metabolism via the end product of oxidative metabolism, carbon dioxide, together with carbonic anhydrase activity. In a tissue such as the brain, where some cells (neurones) are high-energy consumers when active, and other cells (astroglial cells) are destined for homeostatic and trophic tasks, transport systems may complement each other and cooperate in order to maintain physiological functions. Here, some aspects of the coupling of metabolite shuttling and acid/base-dependent transport in neurones and glial cells are discussed.