Glial GABA and Glutamate Metabolism☆

GABA and glutamate, the major inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain, are partly taken up by surrounding astrocytes subsequent to interaction with synaptic receptors. We describe the transporters and enzymes involved in metabolism of these neurotransmitters in astrocytes. Moreover, the mechanisms and interactions with the neurons necessary to sustain GABA and glutamate homeostasis are explained. GABA transaminase is an important pharmacological target, which is briefly mentioned.