This book aims to provide a state-of-the-art summary of what is currently known about brain glycogen metabolism, detailing the recent advances in our understanding of why glycogen is so critical for normal brain function. The role of glycogen in cellular neurophysiology remains largely unclear and its specific contribution to the energy demand of brain cells is still elusive.Glycogen is the sole cerebral glucose reserve and is emerging as a fundamental component of brain energy metabolism. Pharmacological or genetic manipulation of glycogen metabolism in the brain impairs memory formation and increases susceptibility to epileptic seizures and cortical spreading depression. Glycogen is also directly implicated in abnormal neuronal excitability and mental retardation that characterize brain disorders like Lafora disease and Pompe disease.

Provides a timely and extensive overview of current knowledge of cerebral glycogen aimed at fundamentally revisiting the vestigial nature commonly associated with this polysaccharide in the brain Focuses on glycogen in the brain and provides detailed information about novel hypotheses on its role Explores the role of glycogen in health and disease

Inhalt

1. Introduction or Preface.- 2. Structure and regulation of glycogen synthase in the brain.- 3. Structure and regulation of glycogen phosphorylase in the brain.- 4. Regional distribution of glycogen in the brain.- 5. Metabolism of glycogen in the brain white matter.- 6. Metabolism of glycogen in the brain gray matter.- 7. Contribution of glycogen to brain energy metabolism.- 8. Brain glycogen, compartmentation and ion/transmitter homeostasis.- 9. Role of brain glycogen in learning and memory.- 10. Brain glycogen content and turnover during sleep-wake cycle.- 11. Brain glycogen metabolism in response to exercise.- 12. Brain glycogen metabolism in neuronal excitability and epilepsy.- 13. Brain glycogen metabolism in hypoglycemia and diabetes.