Non-Canonical Control of Neuronal Energy Status by the Na+ Pump (Cell Metabolism)

Using fluorescent sensors for ions and metabolites Baeza-Lehnert et al. mapped the metabolic response to synaptic transmission in vitro and in vivo. Neurons showed perfect energetic stability that was attributed to control of ATP production by the Na+ pump, as opposed to conventional homeostasis mediated by ADP, ATP, and Ca2+.