Synaptic transmission demands a highly specialized metabolic machinery involving the transfer of metabolites and signals between neurons, astrocytes and microvessels. In the last years, important advances have occurred in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying cerebral activation, neuroglial coupling and the associated neurovascular response. In many cases, progress evolved as a consequence of the implementation of novel methodological approaches including neuroimaging and neurospectroscopy methods. As a consequence the literature in the field became diverse and spread within journals of different specialities.
The Special issue "Transcellular cycles underlying neurotransmission" will provide an authoritative update on the topic by leading experts in the field, allowing to compile and summarize in a single issue, progress achieved in hypothesis, methods and interpretations on the trafficking of metabolites between neurons and glial cells, and the associated mechanisms of neurovascular coupling.